Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 12: The Department of Agriculture, A&N Administration through the High Value Agriculture Development Agency (HVADA), successfully organized a three-day hands-on training on “Mass Production of Bio-Agents” at the ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Bengaluru from 8th to 10th December 2025 under the National Horticulture Mission Sub-scheme of Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
Bio-agents are natural organisms such as beneficial insects, fungi, bacteria or viruses that control harmful pests in crops. Farmers can use these bio-agents which help reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, keep the environment safe and are especially suitable for the fragile ecosystem of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The training aimed to strengthen the technical capacity of field-level officials in eco-friendly and sustainable pest management practices. Participants received practical exposure to the mass production of bio-pesticides and natural predators, with special focus on species relevant to coconut palms, a major crop of the Islands. The programme also covered production technologies of microbial bio-control agents suitable for the unique island ecosystem of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Officials engaged in hands-on sessions, demonstrations and expert-led discussions designed to enhance their ability to produce and apply bio-control agents effectively in the field. The initiative is expected to significantly improve the adoption of environmentally friendly pest-management techniques and support farmers in transitioning to sustainable and adaptive agricultural practices for the long-term sustainability.