Port Blair, Nov 15: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of Republic of India, as Agriculture Education Day on 3rd December every year. In this connection, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair is conducting various activities like Debate, Painting, Quiz, Concept Paper writing competitions for school/College students, Scientist-Student interaction, Seminar, Open Day for Technology Exposition & Demonstration to farmers & students and Catch the pride of ICAR-CIARI through lens (photo contest for the staff) during the period 15th November – 5th December, 2022.
Speaking at the Inaugural program session of Debate competition conducted on 15th Nov 2022, Director ICAR-CIARI Dr. E.B Chakurkar encouraged the students to participate wholeheartedly and also take the opportunity to meet the scientist and interact with them. He expressed his happiness on the insight provided by the students on the topic “Whether agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries are promising professional careers or not” which has given us the opportunity to have a smart career.
A total of 09 schools comprising Ummat Public School, Austinabad, Kamaraj English Medium School, Brookshabad, Khalsa Public School, Aberdeen bazar, Don Bosco School, Lal Pahad, Govt. Sr. Secondary School,Port Mout, St. Mary School, Bathu Basti, Govt. Model Sr. Secondary School, Aberdeen bazaar SaraswatiShishu Mandir School,New Pahargaon, Ravindra Bangla School,VIP Road totaling to 82 students along with 5 teachers participated. Dr. Sirisha Adamala, Scientist with her team coordinated the debate competition for the students of category 9th to 12th standard at Garacharma Research Complex of CIARI.
Dr.R. Jayakumaravaradan, Scientist & Organizing Secretary summarized the deliberation of the debate which indicated that, Agriculture forms the primary sector and creates opportunity for secondary and tertiary sector, beside it contributes significantly high towards GDP and also adds to employment to the tune of more than 50%.Further in present scenario there is substantial involvement of corporate in agriculture sector
At the Outset, Dr. S. K Zamir Ahmed, Pr. Scientist and Nodal officer AED, briefed on the idea behind the conduct of Debate under the aegis of Agriculture Education Day and also put forth the gratitude to the Principles of School and Colleges for deputing their students for the programme. Mr. D Karunakaran, Scientist & Organizing Secretary proposed vote of thanks.
