Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 10: A two-day training programme on ‘Package of Practices of Spice Cultivation, Post-Harvest Management, Harvesting, Processing and Storage’ under UT-ATMA, Prothrapur Block, commenced today in the field of Shri T. Mohammed at Kodiyaghat Village, Gram Panchayat Beodnabad, South Andaman. The training programme is being organized with the objective of enhancing the technical knowledge and practical skills of farmers in the scientific cultivation of spice crops, harvesting, post-harvest management, processing and proper storage of spice produce. Emphasis is being given to adoption of improved package of practices for better productivity, quality and value realization.
The inaugural session was graced by Shri V. Kumar, Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat Beodnabad, as the chief guest. The session was also attended by the Assistant Director (Agriculture), South Andaman, Subject Matter Specialist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, Agriculture Officer, South Andaman and field functionaries of the Agriculture Department, along with the participating farmers.
During the inaugural session, the farmers were briefed about the importance of scientific spice cultivation and the need for adopting appropriate field and post-harvest practices. A total of 23 farmers are participating in the training, which includes both technical sessions and practical field demonstrations, providing farmers with hands-on exposure to various aspects of spice production and post-harvest management.
The programme is being conducted under UT-ATMA, Prothrapur Block, as part of the on-going efforts of the Agriculture Department to strengthen and promote spice cultivation in the Islands, with special emphasis on important spice crops such as cinnamon, black pepper, clove, bayleaf and nutmeg.