Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 11: Mr. Ajoy Bairagi, National Council Member and Former State President, BJP, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has submitted a detailed representation to Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, drawing attention to the long-standing and distressing issues faced by the “Settler Category” farmers residing in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands since 1952.
These families, rehabilitated under the Colonization and Rehabilitation Scheme of the Government of India, were allotted agricultural land to secure their livelihood, boost local food production, and reduce dependency on the mainland. However, due to lack of basic infrastructure, difficult living conditions, and widespread soil erosion, the settler farmers are enduring severe hardships.
The representation outlines two major concerns such as Erosion of Agricultural Land Due to Heavy Rainfall / Floods and Non-Supply of Inorganic Fertilizers in the A&N Islands.
Regarding Erosion of Agricultural Land Due to Heavy Rainfall / Floods , he mentioned that the Islands experience monsoon for nearly eight to ten months annually, causing continuous heavy rainfall and resulting in significant erosion of agricultural land, especially in areas near rivers and nallahs. This has drastically reduced the actual land holding of many settler families, severely impacting agricultural productivity, their main source of livelihood.
A request has been made for the A&N Administration to conduct a thorough survey comparing the original land allotments with current land availability, assess losses due to erosion, and compensate affected families through allotment of alternative agricultural land. This, the representation notes, would significantly improve agricultural output and support the goal of an Atmanirbhar Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Regarding non-supply of inorganic fertilizers in the A&N Islands, he mentioned that from the time of settlement until recent years, inorganic fertilizers—such as Urea, DAP, and NPK mixtures—were supplied at subsidized rates to farmers. However, in an effort to promote organic farming, this supply has been discontinued for the past five years.
Despite sincere attempts, farmers have been unable to successfully adopt organic farming due to the soil and climatic conditions of the region. This has led to a steep decline in agricultural productivity, adversely affecting both farmer incomes and local food grain availability.
With inorganic fertilizers now available only at high market prices, many poor settler farmers are unable to afford them. In extreme cases, families have had to compromise on medical treatment and children’s education. The representation urges the Government to restore the supply of subsidized inorganic fertilizers and enforce strict measures to prevent black marketing.
Mr. Ajoy Bairagi emphasized that sympathetic and urgent intervention by the Minister would bring significant relief to the poor settler farming community of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
