Rangat, July 3: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nimbudera organized a one-day training programme on “Skilling Krishi Sakhis in Natural Farming” on 01st July, 2025 with the objective of empowering rural women through skill development in eco-friendly farming practices. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of Krishi Sakhis—grassroots-level women agriculture workers in promoting sustainable and chemical-free agriculture.
The programme commenced with a welcome and introductory session by Mr. Rakesh Dawar, SMS (Agronomy). He elaborated on the objectives and importance of the training, highlighting the need for adopting natural farming techniques to enhance soil health, reduce input costs, and improve the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers in the islands. During the technical session, Er. Manoj Kumar, Subject Matter Specialist (Agricultural Engineering), delivered a lecture on the role of natural farming in island ecosystems. He addressed the challenges arising from limited resources and highlighted the importance of low-input, sustainable practices tailored to the unique agro-ecological conditions of North and Middle Andaman. Mr. Subham Debroy, SMS (Aquaculture) explained the key components of natural farming. Mr. Yatharth Sharma, SMS (Home Science), shared valuable insights into the nutritional benefits of organic farm produce and its role in improving the health and well-being of rural communities.
In the post-lunch session, a hands-on training was conducted by Mr. Rakesh Dawar, where participants learned the preparation and application of natural farming inputs such as Beejamrit (seed treatment solution), Jeevamrit (soil microbial inoculant), Neemastra, and Agniastra (botanical bio-pesticides). The session featured live demonstrations on the application methods and dosage of these bio-inputs, equipping the Krishi Sakhis with the knowledge to implement and promote these techniques in their own villages.
The Krishi Sakhis appreciated the hands-on training and showed keen interest in adopting and promoting natural farming in their communities. In the programme 21 rural women participated and benefited from the training. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, North and Middle Andaman, with overall guidance from Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.