Port Blair, June 23: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) celebrated its 38th Foundation Day at its conference Hall on Thursday. Smti R. Maneka , Secretary , Agri , AH &VS & Fisheries, A & N Administration was the Chief Guest and Dr. C. Raghunathan, Officer I/c ZSI, Port Blair the guest of honour on the occasion.
In her address, the chief guest, Smti R. Maneka, Secretary (Agri , AH &VS & Fisheries) A & N Administration in her address lauded the yeoman services done by the Institute in research , development & extension services and also the contributions of the Scientists and others for taking the Institute this far. She expressed her happiness on the assistance rendered by CIARI in all the desired platform of A & N Administration and assured for the help in establishing the composite bio-security lab , by CIARI at Port Blair. She placed on record the adoption of rice seeds of CIARI and carrying forward the soil heath card & other programmes of the Administration, which is very progressive in the Island when compared to many states in mainland India. She also released bulletins and folders for the benefits of the farmers, youth, extension beneficiaries, and launched the website of Andaman Science Association.
Dr. C. Raghunathan, Officer I/c ZSI, Port Blair delivered the Foundation Day lecture on “Coastal & marine biodiversity of India”, which was very much informative and thought provoking and was appreciated by the dignitaries and the participants.
Welcoming the gathering, Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, ICAR-CIARI spoke on the sojourn of from the days of jungle clearing to the centre of excellence and from CARI to CIARI, which is now the beacon for tropical island agriculture for South East Asian countries. During his speech he paid kudos to the earlier Directors, and highlighted on the contribution made by the scientists of the institute in terms of bringing out high impact factor NAAS rating research publications, which has placed the Institute in 4th position, out of 96 ICAR Institution . He also placed the coordination with the line departments to be of high order which has enabled us to reach the unreached benefitting the farmers, women, youth and other stakeholders of the Islands over the years.
On the occasion, scientists, staff, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK, and division were felicitated by the chief guest for their meritorious contributions and commendable service. A large number of audiences representing from development departments, research, media and staff attended the inaugural function. Dr. M.S. Kundu , PS & Head of the Office proposed the vote of thanks.
