Port Blair, Oct 07: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Garacharma, South Andaman conducted “One day special programme to combat malnutrition and boost-up immunity to fight COVID-19 for tribal children and mother” on 7th October, 2020 at the Sanitized Biotech-Kisan Hub at Animal Science Division, Garacharma following the norms of SoP of Covid-19 Unlock-5.0. The programme was conducted under the project “Livelihood and nutritional security of tribal farming community of A&N islands exploring native animal genetic resources”. The programme started with the welcome address of Dr. A.K. De, Scientist of Animal Science Division. Other than welcoming the Chief guest, guest of honour, other renowned scientists of different divisions, Technical officers and supportive staffs and tribal mothers and children, he also emphasized the importance of boosting up of immunity to fight COVID-19 situation for tribal children and mother and other islanders too. Dr. B.A. Jerard, Director, ICAR-CIARI, South Andaman inaugurated the Programme as Chief Guest and Chairman of the programme. In his Inaugural address, he appreciated the efforts of Animal Science Division, ICAR-CIARI, South Andaman for conducting the special programme for making the aboriginals aware of the importance of immunity to fight COVID-19 among the tribals, imparting knowledge on balanced nutrition for children under 6 years, adolescents, pregnant and lactating mothers. Being a pioneer in “Coconut research” he further emphasized on the use of coconut and provided a detailed spectrum for the coconut and different vegetables available in the isles. Dr. P.A. Bala, Senior Scientist and Course Director of the programme briefed about the programme, where he epigrammatically told about inception of Poshan Maah, Poshan Abhiyan, Hon. PMs vision and programme on Balanced nutrition for the Indians.
Guest of honour, Dr. A. Kundu, Principal Scientist & HoD of Animal Science Division also graced the occasion and in his valuable address he stressed on balance diet, good nutrition for healthy life. Dr. Jai Sunder, Principal Scientist of Animal Science Division enlightened the farmers with the present status of the nutritional status of the island dwellers here, and he also elaborated about present ethos and habits of the islanders, and how to combat different nutritional deficits in this arena. Dr. Zamir Ahmed, Principal Scientist of Social Science unit of ICAR-CIARI made a fruitful session with his deliberation as the extract of his vast experience on social norms and wonts followed among the Nicobarese tribal community. He elaborated the present need for balanced nutrition among the growing youths. Dr. D. Bhattacharya, Principal Scientist of Animal Science Division enlightened the tribal mothers and kids with the COVID-19 situation around the world and in our island and how to tackle the situation at this arena with different means. He also deliberated on immunity boosting methods among the young kids and prevalent internal parasitic worms in the islands and their possible control to boost up the gut health and immunity. Dr. Harapriya Nayak, SMS, ICAR-KVK, south Andaman addressed the participants on intricate facets of pregnant women nutrition and care. She has also emphasized on use of green leafy vegetables, frequency of eating and surely the different ingredients of a pregnant women diet and best procedure to consume them. Dr. T. Sujatha, Senior Scientist, Animal Science Division very keenly took the matter of deficiency diseases in the islands and she elaborated the iron deficiency anemia among the mothers and children of tribals and in the islanders too. The tribal mothers were distributed with immunity boosting kit (fruits, nutria-mixture/drinks, honey etc.) for the children by CIARI with the help of Mr. Derick, Mr. Abubakkar and Mr. R.N. Tiwai. Finally, Dr. R.R. Alyethodi Scientist, Animal Science Division came with his vote of thanks. The participants showed keen interest to imbibe the awareness imparted to them and were very much enthusiastic to inculcate the ideas in their life. Dr. Perumal and Dr. K. Muniswamy coordinated the programme. In the feedback, the participants felt the knowledge very useful to them and requested to conduct such type of programme in near future.
