Hutbay, July 31: The Department of Agriculture, Little Andaman zone, in coordination with other zones across the Union Territory, conducted a large-scale plantation programme under the ‘Spice Pravah’ initiative on July 31, 2025, aimed at expanding the area under spice cultivation. The programme witnessed active participation from farmers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and field functionaries.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Shri Parmanathan, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Little Andaman at Ramakrishnapur Gram Panchayat, in the presence of Smti Siuli Mondal, Pradhan, Ramakrishnapur, and Shri Rudramoorty, Pradhan, Hutbay, along with members of the Panchayat Samiti. The event marked a significant step toward promoting sustainable spice cultivation in the region. In his brief address, the chief guest, Shri Parmanathan lauded the efforts of the Department of Agriculture in promoting spice cultivation and acknowledged the department’s continuous support and training initiatives to empower the farming community and improve production standards.
In her address, Smti Mary Magdalene, Agriculture Officer, underscored the importance of the initiative in enhancing spice cultivation across the Island. She highlighted the objectives of the ‘Spice Pravah’ programme in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Shri Dinesh Chandra Das, Agriculture Assistant, provided technical insights on spice cultivation, including recommended package of practices, popular black pepper varieties, and the export potential of spices cultivated in Little Andaman.
As part of the programme, 2,200 rooted black pepper cuttings were planted across 1 hectare of land belonging to four identified beneficiary farmers: Shri Ashok Bachar, Shri Shyamlal Mondal, Shri Kamlesh Mondal, and Shri Noni Gopal Baroi. Additionally, 200 saplings were distributed among other farmers to encourage wider adoption of spice cultivation.
The initiative reflects the department’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and economic development through enhanced spice production in the island region.