Port Blair, Mar 23: One day training cum exposure on Nutritious Kitchen Garden and Value addition was conducted on 22nd March, 2014 at Chaupal of Social Science Section of Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair in association with ACANI with the support of NABARD, Port Blair. The programme started with a social and welcome song by the women SHGs followed by lighting of lamp by Chief Guest, Dr. S.Dam Roy, Director, CIARI, Port Blair.
Speaking on occasion the Chief Guest, Director, CARI applauded the efforts of ACANI and NABARD in joining hands with the Institute for updating the knowledge and skill of the women SHGs members from Diglipur, Mayabunder, Baratang, Chouldari and Bambooflat. He informed that women constitute 49% of the total population and have a lion share in developing the country, so top priority should be given on health management. He urged to grow different types of vegetables for consumption and income generation. Value addition in agriculture and allied produce has great potential both during glut and off season and the institute has develop the technologies for the same. He cited example of making tomato sauce, Mango pickles, banana chips, guava jam, jelly and mushroom, which has got good market demand locally.
Father Evans Sauras, Director, ACANI requested the target group to adopt Nutritious Kitchen Garden in their backyard for becoming healthy, wealthy and wise and also to add income to their family.
Dr. Nagesh Ram, PC, KVKs and the Guest of honour informed about the different programmes conducted by KVK for the target groups and also delivered lecture on Value addition in agricultural produce for nutritional security,livelihood and entrepreneurship by SHGs. Dr.M.Sankaran, Senior Scientist ( Horticulture) spoke on Value addition in tubers, Dr.Shrawan Singh , Scientist(Horticulture) on Model kitchen garden & value addition of vegetable crops and Dr. S. K. Zamir Ahmed, I/c Social Science Section on Livelihood option with Nutritious Kitchen Garden. Beside visit to Dweep Krishi Darpan , feedback session was coordinated by Mr. Amit Srivastava, STO. A total of twenty seven women and three man, totaling to thirty farmers attended the programme.
