Sri Vijaya Puram, June 18: As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and under the ongoing Spice Pravah 2.0 campaign, an awareness and demonstration programme was jointly organized by ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-CIARI, Nicobar in association with the Department of Agriculture, Car Nicobar at Big Lapathy Village on 17 June 2026. The programme was conducted with the objective of creating awareness among farmers regarding sustainable agricultural practices, organic nutrient management, vermicomposting, and the promotion of spice cultivation for enhancing farm productivity and soil health. A total of 35 farmers comprising 17 male and 18 female participants actively attended the programme. The programme was graced by Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Mr. Lionel Nicomed, Chairman, Tribal Council (CTC), Car Nicobar, as the Guest of Honour, and Mr. Manuah Thomas, First Captain of Big Lapathy Village, who extended their support and encouragement to the farming community.
During the programme, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, ICAR–KVK- Nicobar, CIARI, delivered a technical lecture on the importance of vermicomposting and its significance in sustainable agriculture. He explained the role of vermicompost in improving soil fertility, enhancing nutrient availability, increasing soil organic carbon, improving soil microbial activity, and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. He further emphasized the importance of utilizing locally available organic residues and farm wastes for producing quality vermicompost and encouraged farmers to adopt eco-friendly nutrient management practices under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. As part of the practical demonstration under the programme, three HDPE vermibeds were distributed and installed for promoting vermicompost production among farmers of Big Lapathy Village, including one vermibed installed at the field of Mrs. Ester, a progressive farmer of the village. The participating farmers were provided hands-on guidance on vermibed installation, maintenance of earthworms, moisture management, feeding materials, and harvesting of quality vermicompost. The demonstration generated considerable interest among the farmers and motivated them to establish vermicompost units in their own farms.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, appreciated the efforts of ICAR–KVK Nicobar and the Department of Agriculture for successfully implementing the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Spice Pravah 2.0 programmes across the Nicobar district. He commended the initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture, organic farming practices, and natural resource conservation. He encouraged farmers to actively adopt scientific and environmentally sustainable technologies for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving soil health, and increasing farm income. Mr. Lionel Nicomed, Chairman, Tribal Council (CTC), Car Nicobar, highlighted the importance of soil conservation and sustainable farming practices for ensuring long-term agricultural development in the Nicobar Islands. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR–KVK and the Department of Agriculture in providing technical support and capacity-building opportunities to the farming community. Mr. Manuah Thomas, First Captain of Big Lapathy Village, welcomed the initiative and encouraged farmers to actively participate in developmental programmes and adopt recommended technologies such as vermicomposting and organic nutrient management for sustainable agricultural growth. The programme witnessed active interaction between farmers, scientists, and officials, during which various issues related to vermicomposting, soil fertility management, spice cultivation, organic farming, and sustainable agricultural practices were discussed. The participants expressed their willingness to adopt vermicomposting and other soil health management technologies promoted under the campaign. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, village representatives, participating farmers, officials of the Department of Agriculture, and ICAR–KVK staff for their active support and cooperation in the successful conduct of the programme. The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, with the objective of strengthening sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the livelihoods of the farming community in Nicobar District.
