Sri Vijaya Puram, June 7: As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 and the observance of World Environment Day 2026, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the Department of Agriculture, UT-ATMA, and the Forest Department, organized a series of awareness programmes and plantation drives across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on 5 June 2026 to promote environmental conservation, soil health management, and sustainable agricultural practices.
In South Andaman district, ICAR-CIARI, ICAR-KVK South Andaman, and the Department of Agriculture, UT-ATMA jointly organized awareness programmes at Beodnabad and Chouldari villages. At Beodnabad, the programme was attended by Shri S. Boominathan, Zilla Parishad Member; Smti. Pachiammal, Panchayat Samiti Member; and Shri Deepu G. Unnithan, Deputy Ranger. The programme was led by Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK South Andaman; Dr. Raj Narayan, Principal Scientist & Head; Dr. P. Prabhu, Scientist; and Dr. Arkadeb Mukhopadhyay, along with officials from the Department of Agriculture and UT-ATMA.
Simultaneously, an awareness programme was conducted at Chouldari village with the participation of 24 farmers. The programme was coordinated by Dr. P. K. Singh, Principal Scientist & Head; Dr. Chittaranjan Ruel, Scientist; and Dr. Sharath S. Y., Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, along with Dr. Zachariah George, Subject Matter Specialist, ICAR-KVK South Andaman. Officials from the Department of Agriculture, including Smti. Shahana Begum, Smti. Sunita Bairagi, and Smti. Sunitha Kumari, also participated.
Meanwhile, ICAR-KVK North & Middle Andaman, in association with UT-ATMA, the Department of Agriculture, and the Forest Department, organized a plantation drive at KVK, Nimbudera, and an awareness programme for members of the Diya Self Help Group at Billiground under Harinagar Panchayat. Saplings were planted on the KVK campus to reinforce the message of environmental protection and ecological sustainability. A total of 15 participants attended the awareness programme.
During the programmes, scientists and experts emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer use, soil health conservation, Natural Farming, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for sustainable crop production. Participants were sensitized to the role of organic and natural farming in maintaining soil fertility, improving crop productivity, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Farmers and SHG members were encouraged to adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices, particularly in kitchen gardens, for the production of safe and nutritious vegetables.