Port Blair, June 23: The Central Island Agricultural and Research Institute (CIARI), Port Blair, A & N Islands celebrated its 36th foundation day on 23rd June, 2014 at Conference hall of Garacharma Research complex. Prof. K. V. Devaraj, Former Vice-chancellor, U.A.S, Bengaluru was the Chief guest & delivered the foundation day lecture. Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, CIARI presided over the function.
Delivering the foundation day lecture on “Island agriculture and agro -biodiversdity “the Chief Guest, through power point presentation gave a detailed outline of the Highland and Island ecosystem. He exhorted that in the Island ,horticulture plays a vital role next to agriculture and production of crops such as Mangosteen, Durian, Dragon Fruit , Rambutan, Grape fruit ,Pomelo & Longhorn have high export potential . He stressed on the need of the hour on important sectors viz.genetic improvement of the precious indigenous germplasm of Andaman and Nicobar Islands such as Nicobari fowl, Nicobari pig, Andaman local and Teresa goats,maximizing fodder availability to improve the milk production ,development of least cost feeding strategies to augment production of livestock & poultry,ethno-veterinary medicine practices,disease control strategies and post harvest processing of livestock and poultry produce. He concluded that if we do not act now in developing suitable sustainable technologies and adopt them to improve the situation, the children of today will be left to face the impoverished world and curse all of us for their miserable condition. He also released publications brought out by the Institute.
He also gave away awards to the scientists, staff and division of the Institute who have contributed towards the development of the Institute through research, development and extension activities. Beside felicitation to the retired personnel custodian / progressive farmers , Heads of the Development Deparment , ZSI and Pondicherry University for their cooperation and coordination was also d one.
Welcoming the chief guest, Heads of the Departments, custodian / progressive farmers, press personnel , scientists and staff, Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, C IARI said that the Institute established in the year 1978 has so far made significant contribution towards the development of these islands. He also informed in detail about the future plan of the Institute and emphasized on the very good linkages with the Development Department of A & N Administration. He also mentioned about the stamp of authority given to the institute under the new name , which has brought lot of responsibilities to cater to the research , development and extension activities to also the farflung island i.e. Lakshadweep. The work of the Scientist in TSP , NEH and Bali Islands in the mode of capacity building and technological Interventions was applauded.
The function concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Coordinator Shri D. Moitra, Chief Administrative Officer.
