Sri Vijaya Puram, June 11: As part of the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, organized an FPOs, SHGs, and Progressive Farmers’ Sammelan on Balanced Use of Fertilizers on 11 June 2026. The programme was organised for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and progressive farmers from South Andaman districts. Altogether 77 farmers attended the programme. Scientists from ICAR-CIARI and KVK South Andaman, officials from NABARD, also attended to discuss on the sustainable agricultural practices, balanced and judicious use of fertilizers for improving soil health, and the promotion of eco-friendly farming systems. Participants were also informed about various government schemes and opportunities in value addition, branding, packaging, and marketing of agricultural produce, aimed at enhancing farm profitability and strengthening rural livelihoods in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
During the interaction, Mr. Alok Nath Puspak, Assistant General Manager, NABARD, Sri Vijaya Puram, elaborated on various aspects of financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and livelihood development among farmers. He emphasized that collective institutions such as Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are better positioned to access institutional credit, government schemes, and financial assistance. He encouraged farmers to establish a strong Farmer Producer Organization with a broad membership base to enhance their bargaining power and market access. Mr. Puspak also conveyed NABARD’s keen interest in supporting initiatives related to shrimp farming and other income-generating enterprises, and encouraged stakeholders to submit project proposals focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihood development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, emphasized the importance of collective action through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), highlighting that collective production, processing, and marketing can generate greater economic benefits than individual efforts. He encouraged the formation of producer groups, particularly for spice-based and value-added enterprises, to enhance production efficiency, market access, and profitability. Dr. Sunder stressed the immense potential of unique products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, such as virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, banana, jackfruit, and tuna-based products, which have promising market prospects. He underscored the need for proper branding, packaging, and marketing of these products to enhance their market value. He also advocated the use of digital platforms, including e-commerce portals, WhatsApp groups, and social media, for product promotion and market outreach. Producing in bulk and marketing collectively through organized groups would enable farmers and SHGs to access larger markets and secure better returns. He further encouraged participants to share their training and capacity-building requirements, assuring them that ICAR-CIARI and KVKs would organize need-based training programmes and skill development initiatives to support their entrepreneurial ventures.
Dr. Raj Narayan, Head, Division of Horticulture and Crop Improvement, highlighted the significance of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in promoting sustainable agriculture and soil health management. He emphasized the adoption of organic and natural farming practices, use of mulching techniques to conserve soil moisture, suppression of weeds, and prevention of soil nutrient loss. He also stressed the importance of maintaining soil fertility through the application of organic manures, crop residues, and eco-friendly farming practices to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Dr. M. Muruganandam, Head, Division of Fisheries Science, highlighted the immense potential of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in both marine and freshwater ecosystems of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He emphasized that farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can substantially enhance their income through a range of fisheries-based enterprises, including fish seed production, biofloc-based fish farming, feed manufacturing and distribution, fish processing, post-harvest management, value addition, branding, and marketing of fishery products. He also pointed out opportunities in the production of fish-based fertilizers, fish pickles, and other value-added products, particularly tuna-based products, which have significant market potential when supported by proper branding and marketing strategies. Dr. Muruganandam informed the participants about various initiatives and support mechanisms available under the Government of India and Andaman & Nicobar Administration, especially through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), for promoting fisheries and aquaculture entrepreneurship. He stressed that collective efforts through SHGs and producer groups can foster entrepreneurship, improve market access, and generate higher returns from fisheries-based livelihood activities.
Earlier, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman, welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among farmers, scientists, extension personnel, and other stakeholders in promoting balanced nutrient management, improving soil health, and advancing sustainable farming systems across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Totally 85 participants from various SHGs and FPOs of South Andaman participated in the deliberation. Mr. Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist proposed vote of thanks.
