Sri Vijaya Puram, July 1: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri VijayaPuram, celebrated Van Mahotsav 2026 by organizing a large-scale plantation programme at its Garacharma Farm in collaboration with the South Andaman Forest Division, Department of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The programme was organized as part of the national initiative to promote environmental conservation, enhance green cover, and create awareness on the importance of tree plantation.
In his address, Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, emphasized the importance of increasing green cover, conserving natural resources, and integrating tree plantation into sustainable agricultural landscapes. He encouraged all staff members to actively contribute towards environmental protection through continued plantation and conservation initiatives. Shri Erularajan, Range Officer, Garacharma Range, South Andaman Forest Division, along with his team, actively facilitated the plantation programme by providing technical support for site layout, pit preparation, and planting operations. The Forest Department also supplied 750 seedlings comprising bamboo, jackfruit, and lemon for the plantation drive. while Shri Erularajan highlighted the significance of Van Mahotsav in promoting biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and community participation in afforestation activities
A total of 174 participants, including 42 officials from the South Andaman Forest Division and 132 scientists, technical, administrative, supporting, project, contractual, and KVK staff of ICAR-CIARI, enthusiastically participated in the plantation programme and planted the seedlings across the designated areas of the Garacharma Farm.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. I. Jaisankar, Principal Scientist, and Dr. Abhilash, Scientist. Dr. I. Jaisankar welcomed the dignitaries and participants.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Abhilash, who acknowledged the valuable support extended by the South Andaman Forest Division and appreciated the enthusiastic participation of all officials and staff members in making the event a success. The plantation drive reaffirmed the commitment of ICAR-CIARI towards environmental stewardship, sustainable land management, and the conservation of natural resources in the island ecosystem.