Port Blair, Sept 20: Four training programmes on rodent management was organized by Central Agricultural Research Institute, funded by All India Network Project on Rodent Control in association with Out Reach Centre at three villages namely R. K. Gram, Subash Gram and Madhu Pur of North Andaman from 10th to 12th September, 2013 to sensitize the paddy farmers on emerging rodent menace in paddy fields.
The programmes were inaugurated by the chief guest, Gram Pradhan of each village. Mr. K. Sakthivel, Principal Investigator, All India Network Project on Rodent Control and Scientist of CARI explained about methods of rat management including bund trimming and weed free cultivation to minimise rodent menace, employment of indigenous trap and in high infestation, application of rodenticide etc. Dr. R.K. Gautam Head, Division of Field crops gave a brief introduction about the role of rodents in island agriculture. Dr. P.K. Singh, Senior Scientist of CARI explained the non chemical methods of rodent management in Island. Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Senior Scientist and coordinator gave a brief background on the earlier work done at Diglipur on rodent menace in paddy and now based on the demand.
The practical demonstration of rodent bait preparation and its use was explained by Mr. Shyam Sundar Rao, Technical Assistant. Altogether 143 farmers (30 farmers of R. K. Gram, 37 of Subash Gram, 45 of Madhu Pur and 31 youth club members of R.K. Gram) participated in the training programmes and interacted with the scientists of CARI. The training programme was organized under the plan and guidance of Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, CARI and Dr. S. K. Zamir Ahmed, Coordinator, ORC, Diglipur with the support of NABARD. The officials of NABARD also attended the first day training program at R.K. Gram. Gram Pradhans of all the three villages and the youth club member Mr. Samit Roy, who organised special training for youths of R.K. Gram also appreciated the efforts of Director, CARI for organizing these trainings on the demand of paddy farmers. Mr. R. Karthikeyan, Research Fellow, AINP Project welcomed the gathering and Mr. Shiba Mahato proposed the vote of thanks to all the participants.
