Port Blair, Feb 9: The much awaited Tissue Culture Laboratory was inaugurated in a brief function organized today in the premises of Organic Horticulture Farm, Sippighat. Shri Pankaj Kumar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture) A&N Administration who was the chief guest inaugurated the newly built Tissue Culture Laboratory. Dr. Eknath B Chakurkar, Director, CIARI was the guest of honour on the occasion. Smti Champa Das, Pramukh, Prothrapur Panchayat Samiti, Shri Radhey Shyam Meena, Director of Agriculture, Smti Taposi Saha, Pradhan, Chouldari, Shri Palani Kumar, Pradhan, Humphrygunj, farmers of nearby villages and the staff of Agriculture Department and CIARI were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest expressed his happiness in fulfilling the long pending requirement of the farmers of these Islands. He also appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture Department and APWD in successful completion of the project. He stated that farmers have the opportunity to establish commercially sustainable venture in future and can export the planting material to mainland also.    

In his address, the guest of honour lauded the efforts of the Department for taking such a good initiative by using high technology.

Speaking on the occasion, Smti Champa Das expressed her gratitude for fulfilling the long pending demand of the farmers which will enable timely supply of planting material to farmers and mitigate dependency on mainland. 

Dr Ajit Arun Waman, Scientist (Horticulture), CIARI detailed about the mandates of commissioning Tissue Culture Laboratory. The Lab will produce cloned good quality and disease free planting material of banana, pineapple and orchid in a phased manner. He also urged the farmers to avail maximum benefit from this lab.

Shri Radhey Shyam Meena, Director of Agriculture, A&N Administration proposed the vote of thanks and requested the farmers to come forward and reap maximum benefit from the Tissue Culture Laboratory.