Car Nicobar, Oct. 21: The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI) organized a specialized Skill Development Programme for Nicobarese Tribal Healers focusing on the “Advanced Formulation of Ethno-Veterinary Preparations’’ under DST- Promotion of socioeconomic status and self-employment of Nicobarese tribes through scientific validation of ethno veterinary tribal medicinal knowledge and herbal product development’’. The initiative aims to empower tribal communities by integrating scientific advancements with traditional knowledge for sustainable livestock health management.
The comprehensive training programme was conducted across multiple tribal villages in Car Nicobar from 16 to 20, October 2026 to ensure widespread coverage and maximum participation of native healers. The schedule for the training sessions covered Malacca, Perka, Tamaloo, Small Lapathy, Big Lapathy, Kimious, Arong Sawai, Tapoiming, Kinyuka Chukchucha, Kakana, and Mus in the presence of concern tribal captains. The programme was led by Dr. T. Sujatha, Principal Scientist & PI (DST-SSNT) and an expert on ethno-veterinary formulations, serving as the Course Director. Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK Car Nicobar, was the Course Facilitator, supported by Co-facilitators Shri. Deepoo Meena, Dr. Ajmal S and Dr.Sankeeth, G.D. During the programme, hands on training for converting their traditionally prepared oil to scientifically validated ointments for various ailments such as swelling, wound and snake bite. The importance and advantages of drying and keeping medicinal plants and ointments during emergency period was taught to the tribal healers. The tribal youth were encouraged to learn the ethno veterinary formualations from age old healers to conserve and sustain the traditional knowledge for future generations. Tribal healers were very receptive to learn the technique. Participation of 200 tribal men, women and youth including traditional healers marked the grand success of the programme. The entire initiative was executed under the leadership and overall guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI.
This program represents a significant step towards upgrading the traditional veterinary practices of the Nicobarese tribe, ultimately enhancing livestock productivity and healthcare in the remote islands.