Nancowry, June 22: ICAR-KVK, CIARI, Nicobar organized Kisan Utsav Diwas under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 on 1-30th June 2026 at the Community Hall, Chota Enaka Village, Nancowry Sub division. The programme witnessed the participation of 50 farmers along with representatives from Department of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Department of Fisheries, and the Office of the BDO, Nancowry, ATMA, Health department, and Tribal Council.
The programme commenced with welcome address delivered by Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK CIARI, Nicobar. In his address, he welcomed the dignitaries and farmers and highlighted the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, adoption of improved technologies, and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods. The keynote address was delivered by Shri Charles, Chief Tribal Captain (CTC), Kamorta, who encouraged farmers to actively participate in developmental programmes and adopt scientific farming practices for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the Nicobar Islands. As part of the programme, an input distribution programme was conducted for the benefit of the farmers. Essential agricultural inputs, including coconut climbing machines and high-quality seeds, were distributed to the participants to promote improved agricultural operations and increase farm productivity. The programme was formally inaugurated by Shri Kshitij Gyanraj Sa, Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry, who appreciated the efforts of ICAR-KVK in reaching out to the farming community through awareness and capacity-building programmes. He encouraged farmers to make effective use of the technologies and inputs provided under the scheme. He also emphasized the need to bring more farmers under national flagship programmes such as PM-KISAN and Natural Farming initiatives for sustainable agricultural development and enhanced livelihood opportunities.
Special addresses were delivered by Shri Pilgrin, Secretary, Tribal Council, and Shri Moses, First Captain, Chota Enaka, who stressed the need for collective efforts towards agricultural development and encouraged farmers to adopt improved farming practices and government-supported technologies. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Ajmal S., SMS, ICAR-KVK, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, officials from line departments, ATMA representatives, farmers, and all stakeholders for their active participation and support in making the programme successful. Following the inaugural session, the experts interacted with the farmers and provided information on improved crop production technologies, livestock management, fisheries development, government schemes, and sustainable agricultural practices for enhancing farm income and livelihood security. The programme served as an effective platform for knowledge dissemination, farmer–scientist interaction, and promotion of improved agricultural technologies among the farming community of Chota Enaka Village. The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram.