Port Blair, May 22: Two days workshop on “Sustainable Agro-Ecotourism for A&N Islands: Opportunities and Challenges” to commemorate International Biodiversity day organized by Andaman Science Association (ASA), ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute in collaboration with Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Fishery Survey of India (FSI), Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology Department of tourism A&N Administration with financial support by NABARD, Port Blair was inaugurated today on 22nd May, 2023 at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest Dr. Jatinder Sohal, DANICS, Director (IP&T), A&N Administration, welcomed the initiatives of the Institute in conducting such important workshops for the stakeholders. He informed that A & N Islands has evolved as the best destination not only at National but also International level. He exhorted that tourists should be made responsible tourists; beside he advocated introducing the concept of countryside visit which is gaining more popularity elsewhere due to its exposure to sustainable practices that is local culture, food and behavior.
The Guest of Honors, Mrs. Archana Singh, General Manager, NABARD, Port Blair, informed that ANI has become the choicest place of visit and we have to capitalize on it. The sensitivity of the local inhabitants towards cleanliness is USP of ANI. She advocated that NABARD can facilitate the launching of “My District My Project” to promote Agro eco-tourism in a team mode. She referred to the introduction of showcasing the local culture of ANI as that of Rajasthan local culture Chokhi Dahni. Dr. P. Abdul Salam, Asst. Professor, JNRM College, Port Blair informed that stakeholder should have wider and comprehensive understanding, so that agro eco-tourism can be promoted both nationally and internationally thus creating job opportunities and adding to National exchequer. Mr. Ankit Kumar Tripathi, Member Secretary, Tourist Vehicle Owners Association, Port Blair stressed to highlight resources of the Island (Flora & Fauna) followed by noting by A & N Administration and promoting the same by tour operators so that the young mind can opt for entrepreneurship in agro eco-tourism.
