Port Blair, Jan 31: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, South Andaman organized an awareness programme on natural farming at Shoal Bay on 30.01.2023. Mr A. R. Kumar, Pradhan, Shoal Bay Gram Panchayat was chief guest of the programme.

In his addres the chief guest advised the farming community that over usage of fertilizers and pesticides causes environmental damage and impacted in human and soil health. Avoidance of agro-chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides in the field will prevent run off into water source and also preserve our fragile ecosystem.

Dr Y Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head emphasised that natural farming is a good alternative practices to conventional farming that directly or indirectly impacts sustainable development in agricultural production. It is low input based, climate resilient and low cost farming practices because all the inputs are made by using locally available inputs which lead to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and fertilizers.

Dr N.Bommayasamy, SMS (Agro./Agrl.Extn.) briefed on the importance of adoption of natural farming practices which enhances soil health and fertility,  soil organic carbon content, macro and micro nutrients, soil enzymes, earth worms, soil respiration and microbial biomass of the soil.

Dr Pooja Kapoor, SMS (Home Science) enlightened about the involvement of farmwomen in natural farming which leads to rural employment generation at grass root levels and urged farm women to encourage their neighbours to adopt natural farming for own family consumption.

As part of the programme, a demonstration on jeevamrit, beejamrit preparations was done. Ghanajeevamrit, agniastra and neemastra were also distributed to the participants. Sixty-two participants participated and benefited from this programme.

The programme concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Anbumalar. The programme was organized under supervision and guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.