On March 11, 2025, a contingent of 240 students from Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, Sri Vijaya Puram, along with ten teachers, visited the Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram. The following day, March 12, 2025, an additional group of 300 students accompanied by 15 teachers also attended the complex. The primary aim of these visits was to offer students a comprehensive understanding of the research initiatives and technological advancements being undertaken at ICAR-CIARI. Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, a Senior Scientist, along with his team from the Horticulture Division, provided valuable insights into the Medicinal Garden and the Horticulture Plant Propagation Unit. Additionally, Dr. J. Praveenraj and Dr. K. Saravanan introduced the freshwater ornamental fish unit and the Fisheries Museum, emphasizing the advantages of fish spas and discussing the marine life found in the Andaman Islands. Dr. Abhilash and his team from the Natural Resource Management Division elaborated on organic farming and integrated farming systems and Agromet observatory station to record the weather parameters. Furthermore, Shri A.K. Tripathi, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, explained the Nakshatra Garden, which is themed around astrology and features a variety of plants and trees associated with zodiac signs and stars. Lastly, Shri K. Shyam Sunder Rao, Senior Technical Assistant, demonstrated the micro-plot facility, which is instrumental in conducting stress-related experiments on crops, particularly regarding salinity tolerance, while Shri. Bikash Ch. Mondal offered additional insights to the students regarding the butterfly biodiversity found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Shri Abbubaker, Technical Assistant, and Shri Deep Kr. Mukarjee, Technician, provided an overview of the Modern Goat unit and additional facilities within the Animal Science Division.
Prior to the initiation of the activities, Shri D. Karunakaran, Scientist extended a warm welcome to the students and highlighted the institute's commitment to fostering agricultural progress in the islands. The visit was organized by Shri D. Karunakaran along with Smt. Asma Bibi, Senior Technical Assistant, Shri Ali Akbar, Technician, and Mr. T. Adharsh Narayana, Young Professional-I from the Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit, all under the leadership of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.