The 47th Foundation Day of ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, was commemorated on June 24, 2024, with grandeur and the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by esteemed dignitaries and farmers at the Dr. T.R. Dutta conference hall of the institute. Dr. D. R. Singh, Vice Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar, delivered a Foundation Day lecture on the topic of “Next-Gen Agriculture: ICAR-CIARI’s Strategic Priorities for Growth: through virtual mode. He congratulated all the staff of the institute for their achievements and for reaching new heights. Dr. Singh emphasized the unique challenges faced by the islands, such as limited land availability, unique climate conditions, soil fertility, and pest and disease pressure. To promote productive and sustainable agriculture, he suggested that the institute focus on producing quality planting materials and advocate for the cultivation of high-value crops like spices, orchids, and plantation crops. He also recommended promoting value addition and exploring the potential of underutilized crops like cherries and noni. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of protected cultivation for various crops, including tomatoes, brinjal, cucumbers, okra, chilies, beans, cabbage, pumpkin, bitter gourd, and radish. He also suggested promoting innovative farming techniques such as aeroponics, hydroponics, and vertical farming. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of the Integrated Farming System and stressed the need to utilize modern technologies such as Geographical Indication (GI), digital marketing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to ensure sustainable agricultural production in the islands.
The Chief Guest, Dr. C. Sivaperuman, OIC of ZSI, Port Blair, A&N Island, praised the institute for its commitment to serving the islands, especially in areas such as breed registration, documentation, patents, and the development of new strategies. He also commended the institute for its outstanding work in horticulture and organic farming on the islands. Dr. Sivaperuman congratulated all the staff for their efforts in bringing further recognition to the institute
Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, commended the dedication of the staff members and praised their hard work throughout the year in his address. He highlighted the accomplishments of the institute in the past year, including the inauguration of the administrative building of KVK, North and Middle Andaman, and the introduction of a fish aggregate device at Minicoy. The Director also recognized the institute’s scientists for their publications in high-impact journals, granting patents, and commercializing technologies. He encouraged the scientists to continue striving for excellence and to focus on improving the livelihoods of the farming community. Sixteen innovative farmers from the Andaman, Nicobar, and Lakshadweep Islands were awarded for their effective utilization of ICAR-CIARI technology. Furthermore, scientists and employees were also recognized and awarded for their remarkable contributions in technology development, commercialization, exemplary experimental fieldwork, exceptional research publications, and proficient staff performance. Dr. Jai Sunder, Head, Division of Animal Science, ICAR-CIARI, presented the welcome address and highlighted the accomplishments of the institute. Dr. Pooja Bohra, Scientist at ICAR-CIARI, coordinated the programme. Dr. P. K. Singh, Head of the Horticulture Division, delivered the vote of thanks. The staff members of ICAR-CIARI, as well as those from its Regional Station at Minicoy, Lakshadweep, KVK, North & Middle Andaman, KVK, Nicobar, and officials from other ICAR institutes, also joined the event virtually.
Read more: https://ciari.icar.gov.in/FDay.html
