Port Blair, May 18: Andaman Science Association (ASA) a unique body comprising most of the important scientific organizations along with ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute is organizing a workshop with collaboration of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Anthropological Survey of India (ASI), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Fishery Survey of India (FSI), and the Department of Ocean Studies and Marine Biology Department of tourism A&N on Sustainable Agro-Ecotourism for A&N Islands: Opportunities and Challenges from 22nd to 23rd May, 2023 at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
Dr. Jatinder Sohal, DANICS, Director (IP&T), Andaman & Nicobar Administration have kindly consented to be the Chief Guest and inaugurate the workshop at Dr. T. R. Dutta Conference Hall at Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR – CIARI, Port Blair at 10:00 A.M on 22nd May, 2023. Mrs. Archana Singh, General Manager, NABARD, Port Blair, Dr. P. Abdul Salam, Associate Professor, JNRM College, Port Blair, Mr. Ankit Kumar Tripathi, Member Secretary, Tourist Vehicle Owners Association, Port Blair will be the Guests of Honor.
The workshop is expected to have deliberations by experts from ICAR-CIARI, ZSI, BSI, ANRC, Forest Department, Industries, Pondicherry University, AYUSH, Tourism Department Port Blair, Entrepreneurs from Goa, BoBP, Chennai with more than 100 participation representing from Development department A & N Admn., Industries, Tourism, AATO, AYUSH, Progressive Farmers, Enterprising Students, Entrepreneurs and Scientists of ICAR-CIARI.
The Chairperson of the workshop Dr. E.B. Chakurkar Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair has informed that the workshop aims at providing a forum for popularizing entrepreneurship in agro-ecotourism among the existing farmers and also the island youth through technological backstopping and policy support. It will provide a common platform for various stakeholders to discuss the opportunities, challenges and strategies for development of the agro-ecotourism sector in the islands. Experience sharing by the practicing entrepreneurs from the mainland would be an enriching experience for the participants. This workshop is a holistic approach involving the scientific forums of these islands aiming to mobilize the youth of these islands, who are highly energetic with innovative ideas, towards this emerging avenue for entrepreneurship.
The thematic area for discussion are: (a) Agro-Ecotourism and ecological conservation, (b) Native plant genetic resources in agro-ecotourism, (c) Island-specific agricultural products in agro-ecotourism with special reference to spice gardens, (d) Fisheries and aqua-tourism (ornamental fish farming, recreation fishing), (e) Medicinal plants and AYUSH activities in agro-ecotourism and (f) Entrepreneurship Opportunities in agro-ecotourism.
Dr. T. Sujatha, Pr. Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, is the organizing Secretary, Dr. Jai Sunder, Pr. Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, and Dr. C. Sivaperuman, OIC, ZSI are the Conveners. Dr. D. Bhattacharya, Pr. Scientist, Dr. P.K. Singh, Pr. Scientist, Dr. T.P. Swarnam, Pr. Scientist, &Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Pr. Scientists are the Co-Convenors for the workshop.
