Port Blair, Mar 17: The Valedictory function of two days Kisan Mela on the theme: Promoting Natural Farming concluded today on 17th March, 2023. More than 500 farmers from South, Middle & North Andaman participated in the event.
Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI in his Presidential address expressed his happiness on the successful conduct of the Kisan Mela, wherein during inaugural function dignitaries like Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A & N Islands, Ms. Nandini Paliwal, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary and Mr. B. S. Jaglan, IAS, Secretary, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, A & N Administration during their visit showed keen interest, interacted with farmers and Scientists on potential of agriculture and marketing with Island brand. He also appreciated the farmer’s participation in large numbers on both the days which speaks about the credibility of the technology transfer programme of the Institute. Further, he requested all the members of SHGs to be proactive in promotion of products for visibility on the mainland.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest Mr. H. Mohan, General Manager, NABARD, Port Blair lauded the efforts of ICAR-CIARI in technology development and transfer in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture, Livestock and Fisheries for furthering the cause of Agriculture in the Islands. He spoke about the collaborative programmes supported by NABARD and requested the farmers to reach NABARD seeking help for formation of FPOs and establishing village level markets. He also released extension bulletins, folders and pamphlets and gave away certificates to the participating SHGs, entrepreneurs and progressive farmers on the occasion.
Dr. P. Krishnan, Director, Bay of Bengal, Inter Governmental Organization, and Chennai paid a visit to discuss the collaborative programme with the Institute and thereafter visited the stall to witness the technology displayed along with Scientists.
Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head KVKs and Coordinator of the Kisan Mela presented a brief report on the activities conducted during the two day Mela.
At the outset Dr. B. K. Nanda, SMS, KVK South Andaman welcomed the guest gathering and Dr. P. K. Singh, Head I/c, Horticulture and Crop Improvement proposed vote of thanks.
