Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 28: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram conducted three days hands on training programme on ‘Scientific Propagation Techniques for Major Horticultural Crops of Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ under the ICAR-AICRP on Plantation Crops Project during December 17-19, 2025.
Nursery raising is one of the important agri-businesses that has good potential in the island conditions. However, lack of knowledge and practical exposure restricts the island youth in taking up nursery as a profession. In order to bridge this gap and enable them in starting own enterprises, the programme was conducted involving series of sessions including hands on learning, practical demonstrations, field visits, presentations and interactions. The training began with presentation on basics of plant propagation, following which the trainees were taken to an exhibition area wherein tools and inputs used in the gardening operations were displayed. A demonstration on the preparation of rooting hormones was made for making the trainees understand the details involved in the processes of plant multiplication. The trainees visited Horticultural Plants Propagation Unit of the institute wherein they were demonstrated with different type of protected structures, arrangement and operation of irrigation systems, sensors, and control of microclimate.
Field visits were made to experimental fields in the Garacharma and Horticulture Research Farm, Sippighat of the Institute wherein they were trained about the importance of mother plants selection including their management. Practical sessions on preparation of substrates, filling of poly bags, root trainers, pro-trays etc. were conducted and hands on training on propagation of various crops through seeds, slips, stem cutting, serpentine layering, air layering, approach grafting, soft wood grafting etc. were done. Trainees also learnt about the innovative technique of round the year planting material production developed at ICAR-CIARI i.e. Dweep Goottee 365. Use of coconut climbing devices for seed nut production was also demonstrated to the trainees. To protect the plants from diseases in the nursery, practical on preparation and application of Bordeaux Mixture was also done. Planting material of various horticultural plants was provided to the trainees. Dr. Ajit Arun Waman and Dr. Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientists and Course Directors conducted the programme under the supervision of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (A), ICAR-CIARI. The training benefitted eighteen participants including entrepreneurs, farmers, educated youth and students.