Sri Vijaya Puram, May 31: An “Awareness-cum-Training Programme on Rice Cultivation in Lowland Conditions of Andaman & Nicobar Islands” was successfully conducted at Sitapur, Rangat, North and Middle Andaman on 25 May, 2026. The programme was organized by ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and ICAR-KVK Nimbudera under the financial support of the AICRP Seed (Crops) Project. A total of 33 farmers participated in the programme, including 15 male and 18 female farmers from nearby villages. The programme aimed to create awareness amongst farmers on improved rice cultivation practices suitable for lowland ecosystems of the islands.
Mr. Shyam Sunder Rao, Farm Manager delivered the welcome address and emphasized the need for strengthening farmer awareness on modern rice cultivation practices. Dr. P. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, delivered an expert lecture on improved high-yielding varieties of rice, quality seed production, scientific rice cultivation practices, and soil fertility management for sustainable rice production in the islands. Mrs. Sherly Thomas, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Rangat, provided an overview of the training programme and highlighted the importance of adopting improved technologies for enhancing rice productivity in lowland areas. Dr. Rakesh Dawer, SMS (Agronomy), discussed the balanced use of fertilizers and soil fertility improvement for sustainable crop production. Dr (Er.) Manoj Kumar, SMS (Agri. Engineering), KVK Nimbudera, delivered a lecture on mechanization in rice cultivation and explained the benefits of farm mechanization in reducing labour requirement and increasing efficiency. The programme was successfully organised under the overall guidance of Director of ICAR-CIARI. The participating farmers actively interacted with the scientists and officials and clarified their queries related to rice cultivation, nutrient management, and farm mechanization. Mr. Bikash Chandra Mondal has facilitated the technical support and registration of the farmers. The programme concluded with positive feedback from the participants, who expressed their interest in adopting the recommended technologies in their fields.
