Sri Vijaya Puram, June 21: ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, along with its three Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)—KVK South Andaman, KVK North & Middle Andaman, and KVK Nicobar—and ICAR–CIARI Regional Station, Minicoy, Lakshadweep, organized the 23rd Instalment Release Programme of the PM-KISAN Scheme on 20 June 2026 as part of the nationwide observance of “PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas”, in convergence with Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister released the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN from Tarakeswar, Hooghly, West Bengal, benefiting eligible farmers across the country under the scheme. During the programme, farmers were sensitized on various aspects of sustainable agriculture, including balanced fertilizer application, the importance of Soil Health Cards, integrated nutrient management through vermicomposting and composting, seed treatment with biofertilizers, scientific paddy cultivation practices, integrated pest management, and the adoption of organic and natural farming techniques. The programme also highlighted the objectives and benefits of the PM-KISAN Scheme while promoting the key messages of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign aimed at conserving soil health, encouraging the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, and promoting scientific, sustainable, and climate-resilient farming practices.
A total of 264 farmers and stakeholders from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and 32 participants from Minicoy, Lakshadweep attended the programme. The event provided an interactive platform for farmers to discuss agricultural challenges and receive technical guidance from experts on sustainable crop production and climate-resilient agriculture.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK South Andaman and KVK North & Middle Andaman, and Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR–KVK Nicobar, under the guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (Act.), ICAR–CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.