Neil, Apr 10: Organic farming advocates growing of crops and animals without man-made chemicals and using production strategies that consider a holistic, systems-based management approach that gives healthier food to eat and safer environment to live in. Keeping in mind the importance of protecting the fragile island ecosystem and providing sustainable livelihood to the farmers, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute in collaboration with NABARD, R.O. Port Blair and Agricultural department has launched awareness cum demonstration programme on organic inputs preparation at Neil island on 5th April 2017.
Inaugurating the programme at the Neil Kendra, the Chief guest, Dr.S.Dam Roy, Director, ICAR-CIARI highlighted the importance of protecting the natural resources of the island and insisted on sustainable practices as a way of life for the Neil farmers. He stated that research and development should go together so that the benefit reaches all the stakeholder. He further told that in the coming years this island will be known for its agriculture produce both at national and international level with a brand of its own. He cited the example of one of the progressive farmers of Kalipur, Shri Laxman Das, wherein he has created an environment of marketing the organically produce products at its own field. The farmers of Neil Island should also replicate the same.
The guest of honour, Mr. Hemant B. Songadkar, General Manager, NABARD stressed the need for bringing positive synergy to develop Neil as organic model island. NABARD is committed to rural development and will do all possible things to transform Neil Island into organic production hub.
Mr.Ram Krishna Biswas, Pradhan, urged the Neil farmers to come forward and seize the opportunity. He also requested the gathering to make Neil chemical free and stated that the local administration is committed for eco-friendly development of the island. During the programme Mrs. Chameli Das, other PRI members and farmers interacted with the scientist and highlighted the problems related to agricultural development in Neil Island.
Dr.A.Velmurugan, Nodal officer of the programme displayed more than 10 organic inputs and briefed the gathering about its importance and method of preparation. He highlighted the potential of organic farming in these islands and the ongoing research efforts to address the technological gap. It was informed that 3 farmers from each village will be selected for establishing demonstration plots and other farmers will be trained in various organic inputs preparation. He also stated that preparation of organic input using locally available materials will also offer good business opportunity. After the programme a team of scientist visited the farmers field and found large scale infestation of coconut by leaf eating caterpillar. The team suggested root feeding, light trap and release of trichogramma as a control measure for the leaf eating caterpillar besides proper nutrient management to help the palm to recover from the severe defoliation caused by the caterpillar.
Organic inputs preparation in Neil island is being sponsored by NABARD and will continue for two years during which efforts will be made to train the farmers on organic inputs preparation to make them self reliant. Altogether 60 farmers, besides representative from agricultural department and other stakeholders have participated in the programme. Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Principal Scientist, and Dr. I. Jaisankar, CIARI, coordinated the programme.
