ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri VijayaPuram,
celebrated Van Mahotsav 2026 by organizing a large-scale plantation programme at its
Garacharma Farm in collaboration with the South Andaman Forest Division, Department
of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Administration. The programme was
organized as part of the national initiative to promote environmental conservation, enhance
green cover, and create awareness on the importance of tree plantation.
In his address, Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, emphasized the importance of
increasing green cover, conserving natural resources, and integrating tree plantation into
sustainable agricultural landscapes. He encouraged all staff members to actively contribute
towards environmental protection through continued plantation and conservation initiatives.
Shri Erularajan, Range Officer, Garacharma Range, South Andaman Forest Division,
along with his team, actively facilitated the plantation programme by providing technical
support for site layout, pit preparation, and planting operations. The Forest Department also
supplied 750 seedlings comprising bamboo, jackfruit, and lemon for the plantation drive.
while Shri Erularajan highlighted the significance of Van Mahotsav in promoting
biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and community participation in
afforestation activities
A total of 174 participants, including 42 officials from the South Andaman Forest
Division and 132 scientists, technical, administrative, supporting, project, contractual,
and KVK staff of ICAR-CIARI, enthusiastically participated in the plantation programme
and planted the seedlings across the designated areas of the Garacharma Farm.
The programme was coordinated by Dr. I. Jaisankar, Principal Scientist, and Dr.
Abhilash, Scientist. Dr. I. Jaisankar welcomed the dignitaries and participants,.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Abhilash, who
acknowledged the valuable support extended by the South Andaman Forest Division and
appreciated the enthusiastic participation of all officials and staff members in making the
event a success. The plantation drive reaffirmed the commitment of ICAR-CIARI towards
environmental stewardship, sustainable land management, and the conservation of natural
resources in the island ecosystem.