Sri Vijaya Puram, June 23: The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, celebrated its 48th Foundation Day on June 23, 2025. Shri G. Santhanam, General Manager, NABARD, Sri Vijaya Puram, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Aparup Das, Director, ICMR-RMRC, Sri Vijaya Puram, was the Guest of Honour.
In his address, Shri G. Santhanam congratulated the Institute on its achievements in fostering growth and development in the Islands. He noted that ICAR-CIARI stands out as a unique agricultural institute in India, conducting research across a wide range of sectors including horticulture, crop science, animal science, natural resource management, and fisheries science. He encouraged the scientists to further enhance their contributions to agriculture and allied sectors in the region. He also elaborated on NABARD’s role as a development bank, mandated to provide and regulate credit and other facilities for the promotion of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and allied rural economic activities. Noteworthy initiatives highlighted included the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations, Watershed Development, and Tribal Development programs. He expressed NABARD’s keen interest in collaborating with ICAR-CIARI on models aimed at improving rural livelihoods through rooftop gardening, organic farming, tribal empowerment, protected cultivation of high-value vegetables, and the transfer of new technologies to farmers.
Dr. Aparup Das delivered the Foundation Day lecture on “Genomic Evidence for Zoonotic Origin of Malaria in India.” He discussed the transmission dynamics of malaria between animals and humans. He congratulated ICAR-CIARI on the Foundation Day celebration and expressed his interest in collaborative work in the fields of medicinal plants, zoonotic diseases, and the One Health approach.
Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, praised the dedication and commitment of the staff, and highlighted the Institute’s major achievements over the past year. He mentioned that 12 technologies developed by the scientists were successfully commercialized for the benefit of farmers. He also commended the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), which was celebrated with great enthusiasm to empower the farmers of the Islands. Additionally, he acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Regional Station at Lakshadweep.
A total of 10 publications, including technical bulletins and folders, were released during the event. Progressive farmers from the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands were recognized for the successful adoption of CIARI technologies. Scientists and staff members were felicitated for their outstanding contributions in technology development, commercialization, field experiments, section performance, research publications, and overall institutional service.
On this occasion, the Institute commercialized a technology titled “Dweep Go Fly”, a synthetic and herbal-based fly repellent. The Director, ICAR-CIARI, handed over the license agreement to Mr. Sainath R. Shenoy, C/o Mahalasa Agro Products.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Head, Division of Animal Science, delivered the welcome address and briefed the audience about the Institute’s achievements. The event was coordinated by Dr. Abhilash, Scientist, and Ms. Sushma, Subject Matter Specialist. All staff members of ICAR-CIARI, including representatives from the Regional Station at Minicoy, Lakshadweep, KVK North & Middle Andaman, KVK Nicobar, and officials from other ICAR institutes, participated in the program virtually. Dr. P.K. Singh, Principal Scientist, proposed the vote of thanks. Earlier in the day, dignitaries planted saplings of the dwarf coconut variety, and also visited exhibitions showcasing the diverse varieties and technologies developed by the Institute.