Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 4: The 7-Day Capacity Building Programme – Certificate Course on Nursery Raising (Budding, Layering and Grafting Techniques) for Self-Help Group (SHG) members and women, organised by the C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC) – EIACP PC-RP, Chennai, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman, and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, concluded on 03.12.2025 with a Valedictory Function held at ICAR–KVK, Sippighat.
The programme, which was conducted from November 26 to December 3, 2025, aimed at skill development and livelihood enhancement through scientific nursery management and plant propagation techniques, benefitting SHG members and women entrepreneurs interested in horticultural activities.
The Valedictory Function commenced welcome of the dignitaries. Ms. Sushma, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), ICAR–KVK, delivered the Welcome Address, followed by a presentation of Programme Report and Training Highlights by Shri A. Gopal, Project Officer, EIACP–CPREEC. Participants shared their training experiences and appreciated the practical exposure provided during field demonstrations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Y. Rama Krishna, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR–KVK, Sippighat highlighted the importance of nursery-based entrepreneurship opportunities in the islands and encouraged participants to utilize the technical knowledge gained to generate self-employment and contribute to community-level green initiatives.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR–CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, in his address, appreciated CPREEC and ICAR-KVK for organising such capacity-building programmes that support women and SHG members towards sustainable livelihood. He emphasized the role of scientific nursery techniques, propagation skills, and quality planting material production in strengthening the horticulture sector across the Andaman Islands.
Certificates were distributed to all trainees who successfully completed the course by the Chief guest.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Shri A. Gopal, who expressed gratitude to the resource persons, organising team, participants, and supporting institutions.