Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 23: National Kisan Divas was celebrated at the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute on December 23, 2025, to honor and recognize the significant contributions of farmers to society. This day is particularly meaningful as it aligns with the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji, the former Prime Minister of India and a staunch advocate for farmers’ welfare. During the event, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, addressed the gathering of farmers. He underscored the significance of integrated farming systems in boosting farmers’ income and elaborated on the advantages of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, which is designed to enhance livelihood security in rural regions.Shri Bhagirath Choudhary Ji, the Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, extended his greetings to the farmers on the occasion of Kisan Diwas and urged them to embrace innovative, sustainable, and income-boosting agricultural practices.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Director of ICAR–CIARI, engaged with the farmers and honored ten progressive farmers for their exceptional contributions to island agriculture. The recipients of the awards came from various sectors, including Integrated Farming Systems, pisciculture, poultry, agri-tourism, value addition in moringa, spice cultivation, natural farming, nursery raising, coconut shell handicrafts, floriculture, animal husbandry, vegetable production, and spice product development. In his speech, Dr. Jai Sunder underscored India’s extraordinary evolution from a food-deficient country to one of the foremost agricultural producers in the world.He highlighted that India has emerged as a leader in agricultural production, attaining top positions in several essential commodities and diversified farming systems. He noted that these achievements reflect the resilience of Indian agriculture and the ongoing dedication of farmers, supported by scientific research and improved technologies. Dr. Jai Sunder emphasized that these rankings are the outcome of continuous research, the adoption of technology, and innovation by farmers. He further mentioned that enhancements in productivity and diversification have bolstered national food security. The growth of integrated and sustainable farming systems has been instrumental in reaching these milestones. He stressed that India’s agricultural rankings signify improvements in both quantity and quality. These accomplishments, he noted, illustrate the resilience and capability of Indian farmers.He also detailed the advantages of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 for farmers, emphasizing its significance in empowering them through the integration of development programs at the village level.
Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK South Andaman, provided an overview of the Vikshit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB – G RAM G Act, 2025, detailing how farmers can benefit from this initiative. The scheme offers 125 days of guaranteed wage employment, enhanced provisions for Unemployment Allowance, timely wage payments, and compensation for delays. Additionally, it includes the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan by the Gram Sabha, the convergence of all schemes within the VGPP, and empowerment through technology.He also explained how this new scheme will create employment opportunities and provide assets, particularly in terms of water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and climate-resilient projects.
Throughout the day-long event, an interaction between scientists and farmers was conducted, during which the technologies developed by the Institute were presented. These interactions offered farmers valuable insights into enhanced and sustainable agricultural practices.All award-winning farmers shared their success narratives and experiences, which served to inspire and motivate their peers to embrace innovative and profitable farming methods. The event saw significant participation, with a total of 325 farmers and staff members attending from ICAR–CIARI Headquarters, the Regional Centre in Minicoy (Lakshadweep), KVKs in North and Middle Andaman, and KVK Nicobar, demonstrating robust engagement across the island regions.
Bulletin and extension pamphlets detailing the VB – G RAM G scheme along with institutional technologies were disseminated to the farmers. Previously, Dr. Pooja Kapoor, Subject Matter Specialist at KVK South Andaman, graciously welcomed the farmers, while Dr. Zachariah George, also a Subject Matter Specialist at KVK South Andaman, provided the vote of thanks. Shri D. Karunakaran, Scientist and Nodal Officer for Swachhata Pakhwada, coordinated the events.