Sri Vijaya Puram, October 26: The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), under the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, inaugurated a five-day hands-on training programme on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) production, beekeeping and spice cultivation today. The programme will continue until 30 October 2026 and aims to enhance the practical skills and livelihood opportunities of Onge tribal beneficiaries.
A total of 10 members of the Onge tribal community from Dugong Creek are participating in the programme. The training is designed to provide practical exposure to suitable agricultural and allied activities that can contribute to livelihood enhancement and livelihood security among the tribal community.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (Acting), ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, interacted with the participating beneficiaries to understand their educational backgrounds, current occupations and expectations from the training programme. He encouraged them to actively participate in the sessions on VCO production, beekeeping and spice cultivation and to share their views and experiences with the resource persons. He emphasised that active interaction and hands-on participation would help them acquire technical skills and practical knowledge for improving their livelihood opportunities.
The Heads of the Horticulture, Fisheries and Crop Improvement divisions also interacted with the participants and briefed them on various agricultural and allied livelihood opportunities. The discussions covered fisheries, vegetable and fruit cultivation, and animal husbandry activities such as poultry and piggery, highlighting their potential for income generation and livelihood diversification.
Representatives from the Tribal Welfare Department of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration also participated in the programme, reflecting the importance of coordinated efforts to support the livelihood development of the Onge tribal community.
Earlier, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK South Andaman, welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives and major activities of the training programme. Mr. Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS), KVK South Andaman, coordinated the programme.
The five-day training programme is expected to equip the participating Onge beneficiaries with practical knowledge and skills in selected agricultural and allied enterprises, thereby supporting livelihood diversification, self-reliance and improved livelihood security.
