Sri Vijaya Puram, July 28: ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, organized a one-day method demonstration on the preparation of natural farming inputs for its field and technical staff under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and the Institute Project entitled Evaluation of Organic and Natural Farming Inputs in Rice-Based Cropping Systems under Island Ecosystem. The demonstration focused on the scientific preparation and application of Beejamrutha, Jeevamrutha, Ghanajeevamrutha, and Neemastra, highlighting their role in improving soil health, enhancing crop productivity, pest control, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and promoting sustainable natural farming practices. During the programme, participants learned that Beejamrit is used as a seed treatment to improve seed viability and protect seeds from seed-borne diseases. Jeevamrutha acts as a microbial bio-enhancer that improves soil fertility, promotes plant growth and flowering, and enhances crop yield when applied through irrigation water or as a foliar spray. Ghanajeevamrutha, the solid form of Jeevamrutha, enriches soil microbial activity and accelerates the decomposition of organic manures, thereby improving nutrient availability to crops. Neemastra, a neem-based botanical biopesticide, was demonstrated as an eco-friendly solution for the management of sap-sucking insects and small caterpillars. Participants were provided with hands-on practical training on the preparation methods, ingredient proportions, and field application of these natural farming formulations. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. I. Jaisankar, Principal Scientist, as Course Director, with coordination by Dr. Gurunath Reddy, Scientist; Dr. Abhilash, Scientist; Dr. Arkadeb Mukhopadhyaya, Scientist; and Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, South Andaman. The demonstration strengthened the technical capacity of the institute’s staff to effectively implement and promote natural farming technologies in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, contributing to environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. The entire programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Jaisunder, Sirector, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.
