An Awareness Programme under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan was successfully organized at the Hope
Town Gram Panchayat Hall on 25 June 2026 by ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute
(ICAR-CIARI), ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman, UT-ATMA, and the Directorate of
Agriculture, Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The programme was attended by 20 farmers from
the surrounding villages.
The programme commenced with an interactive session aimed at enhancing farmers' knowledge on
sustainable agricultural practices and addressing key challenges in crop production.
Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, South Andaman, delivered a lecture on
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and improved agronomic practices for vegetable and
plantation crops. He also interacted with the farmers and addressed their field-level issues.
Dr. Raj Narayan, Head, Division of Horticulture and Crop Improvement, ICAR-CIARI, spoke on
scientific vegetable cultivation practices suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of the Andaman &
Nicobar Islands. He highlighted improved production technologies for enhancing productivity and
profitability.
Mr. Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), ICAR-KVK, South Andaman, delivered an
informative lecture on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in vegetable and plantation crops,
emphasizing eco-friendly and sustainable approaches for effective pest and disease management.
Dr. Arkadeb Mukhopadhyay, Scientist (Agricultural Chemistry), ICAR-CIARI, sensitized the
participants on the adverse effects of indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and
emphasized the need for balanced nutrient management and environmentally safe agricultural
practices.
Shri C. Madhu briefed the participants on the various farmer welfare schemes implemented by the
Directorate of Agriculture and informed them about the availability of quality agricultural inputs
through departmental depots.
An open interaction session provided farmers with an opportunity to discuss their production
constraints and seek technical guidance from the experts. The programme concluded with a vote of
thanks proposed by Ms. Lipika Raj Banshi, Block Technology Manager (BTM), ATMA, Ferrargunj
Block.
The organizers reaffirmed their commitment to conducting similar awareness programmes across
the islands to promote sustainable farming practices, improve soil health, and enhance the
livelihoods of the farming community.