Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 12: In a significant move to safeguard the interests of farmers in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands whose livelihoods have been severely affected by recurring infestations of mealybug and whitefly diseases on various crops across A&N Islands, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, took up the matter with the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Home Minister, and Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture on 26th September 2025 for immediate deputation of an expert team of Agricultural Scientists.
Responding swiftly to his appeal, the Central Government has deputed an expert team of agricultural scientists to the islands to conduct a comprehensive field assessment. The team has arrived and commenced its inspection in most affected areas area of VK Pur, Rabinderna Nagar, and RK Pur in Little Andaman, and some villages in Car Nicobar. During their visit, the scientists are interacting directly with local farmers and tribal people, examining the extent of crop damage, and collecting samples for detailed laboratory analysis to determine the causes of infestation and to recommend effective preventive and control measures.
Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble MP, has also proposed the visit of said team to a few locations in South Andaman to assess the situation first-hand and to join the central scientific team during their field studies. He is also expected to interact with the team at Sri Vijaya Puram following the completion of their field visits.
Hon’ble MP Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Home Minister and Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture for their immediate response to his appeal to them and for taking prompt steps to protect the farming community and restore agricultural productivity in the islands.