Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 18: ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, organized a Kharif 2026 Field Day at Bloomsdale Research Farm, Chouldari, on 18 September 2026 to showcase improved crop varieties, seed production activities and ongoing crop improvement research aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The programme was attended by Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI; Shri D. Basantia, Director of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration; Heads of Divisions of ICAR-CIARI; Head, ICAR-KVK, South Andaman; scientists and technical personnel of the Institute, with around 40 participants.
During the field visit, scientists explained various ongoing research activities and demonstrated improved varieties, breeding materials, seed production plots and crop management technologies.
Major highlights of the field demonstrations included seed production plots of different rice varieties, upcoming improved rice varieties, aromatic rice, high-yielding and multiple-stress-resistant rice lines, and ivy gourd germplasm and evaluation trials. Trials on identification suitable window for rice and pulses cultivation. The scientists also explained experiments on natural farming practices in rice, pulses and oilseed crops, as well as AICRP trials on rice being conducted at the farm.
The Field Day also highlighted the Institute’s efforts towards the conservation and utilization of rice genetic resources. More than 200 rice germplasm accessions are being maintained and conserved for use in future breeding programmes. The participants were also briefed about seed production of farmers’ varieties of rice from the Andaman Islands, supporting the conservation, multiplication and wider availability of locally adapted genetic resources.
Dr. M. Muruganandan, Head Fisheries Science Division, further discussed the possibilities of rice–cum–fish cultivation as an integrated farming system suitable for the Islands and its potential to improve farm productivity and income through efficient utilization of available resources.
The programme provided an opportunity for scientists, KVK personnel, agricultural officials and other stakeholders to interact directly at the field level and discuss the major opportunities and constraints affecting crop production in the Islands.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri D. Basantia, Director of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, highlighted the major challenges being faced by farmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and emphasized the need for location-specific agricultural technologies, assured availability of quality seed, particularly of pulses, and stronger coordination among research, extension and development agencies. He appreciated the ongoing research efforts of ICAR-CIARI and advocated the implementation of the agricultural action plan developed by ICAR-CIARI scientists for the comprehensive development of agriculture in the Islands.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, emphasized the importance of strengthening linkages among research, seed production, extension agencies and farmers for faster dissemination of improved technologies and varieties suited to island conditions. He informed the participants that ICAR-CIARI scientists have developed a Research Action Plan for the development of agriculture in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a focus on addressing the specific needs and challenges of island agriculture.
The Field Day was coordinated by Dr. P. K. Singh, with support from Dr. Prabhu P., Dr. Abhilash, Dr. Gurunath Reddy and Dr. Chaithrashree J., along with scientists and technical staff, including Shri K. Shyam Sunder Rao and Shri Bikash Chandra Mondal, of ICAR-CIARI.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Gurunath Reddy, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, who expressed gratitude to the Director of ICAR-CIARI, Director of Agriculture, Heads of Divisions, KVK personnel, scientists, technical staff and all participants for their valuable presence and active participation in the Field Day.