Port Blair, Jun 23: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair celebrated its 45th Foundation Day on 23rd June 2022. Mr. P. Subramanyam, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, A&N Islands was the Chief Guest.
While Dr. T.V.R.S. Sharma, Former G.B. Member, ICAR and Dr. Ashok Gupta, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, A & N Administration were present as Guests of Honour.
Dr.Anjani Kumar Srivastava, Former Head, Division of Biochemistry, IVRI, Izatnagar delivered a Foundation Day lecture on “Inner Science”. He elaborated on how to lead a better life through inner science.
The Chief Guest, Mr. P. Subramanyam, IFS, PCCF, A&N Islands congratulated the Institute for its achievement in the growth and development of the Islands. He expressed that CIARI is the unique agricultural institute among other institutes working in other parts of India.
He urged the institute to address the issue of biodiversity and ecological security of the Islands. CIARI can work towards nutritional security and self-sufficiency, especially in the field of endemic fruits and vegetables. He also suggested propagating the vegetable seed production technology to make the island self-sufficient. Bee-keeping is another emerging area that needs more thrust, he urged the Director to conduct more capacity building programmes and demonstrations for its mass promotion.
The Guest of Honor, Dr. T.V.R.S. Sharma, Former G.B. Member, ICAR expressed his concern about climate change and the biodiversity of the Islands. He also emphasized that this institute should take a lead in research work on the transfer of genes from wild relatives to cultivator crops, where salinity is more and also work towards coconut-based farming system.
Dr. Ashok Gupta, Director, DAHVS, A&N Administration in his address complimented the institute for its dedicated services to the Island, particularly registration of breed, documentation and formulation of new strategies. He also suggested focusing on seaweeds, fodders and exploring possible production technologies for enhancement of agriculture and allied sector.
Dr.Eaknath B Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, appreciated the efforts of all the staff members and lauded the good work rendered by the Social Science Section and KVKs in the dissemination of the technologies. The Director briefed about the various achievements of the Institute during the last year and expressed that through basic and adoptive research many high-rated papers were published and commercialized four technologies during this year. He further urged the scientists to work in a team mode not in a group towards the best outcome and betterment of the farmer’s community.
A total of 15 publications including technical bulletins, Annual Report- 2021 and Newsletter (January-March 2022) were released and Institute’s new website was also launched on this occasion. Eighteen progressive farmers from Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands were also awarded for successfully adopting the CIARI technology. Scientists and staff members were also awarded and felicitated for their outstanding contribution in the field of technology development, commercialization, best experimental field, best section, best research publication and efficient staff members.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIARI delivered the welcome address and briefed the gathering about the achievements of the Institute. Dr. Pooja Bohra, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI coordinated the entire programme.
Dr.Debasis Bhattacharya, Head, Animal Science Division proposed a vote of thanks. All the staff members of ICAR-CIARI including its Regional Station at Minicoy, Lakshadweep, KVK, North & Middle Andaman, KVK, Nicobar and officials from other ICAR institutes also participated in the event through virtual mode.
