Port Blair, Dec 18: Agriculture Education Day was celebrated today by ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair at its Garacharma Research Complex with the participation of progressive farmers, students and staff of the Institute. The programme started with visit to Dweep Krishi Darpan by the farmers followed by poster and debate competition.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest, Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, CIARI informed about the purpose of celebration of Agriculture Education Day which has been made to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. He also mentioned about Rajendra Prasad Puruskar award for book in Hindi won by the scientist of this Institute on Butterfly, Corals and Natural Resource. He cited the contribution of scientists for increasing the production and productivity was through Rainbow of revolution which has made India to top the list in many agriculture commodities like milk, wheat, fish, oilseeds, horticulture crops etc. The slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan “ given by Lal Bahadur Shastry and “Kisan Nahi tho Desh Nahi” by the lady farmer of the Island was stressed on this occasion which speaks about the importance of agriculture for livelihood and also in contribution towards National GDP growth. He urged to harvest the strength of the youth to accomplish the goal of Hon’ble Prime Minister Startup and Digital India programme through agriculture. He also gave away prizes to the winners of the competition.
Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Pr. Scientist and Organizing Secretary of AED gave brief outline on the importance of the programme and mentioned about the benefit accrued by farmers and other stakeholders by adopting agriculture as the main or subsidiary enterprise.
Heads of the Division of Natural Resource Management, Animal Science, Field Crop Improvement & Protection, Hort. & Forestry shared their views on technological backstopping available in the field of agriculture and allied for increasing the productivity per unit available area. The gist of the impression of the progressive farmers and students who spoke on the occasion, were to include a subject on agriculture in the syllabus, agriculture is the good vocation for keeping good health, offers opportunity for livelihood during adversity, increase in production is through support of scientific technology, to practice organic farming for better health, strength of youth should be utilized and to treat a farmer on par with others.
Dr. L.B. Singh, Head I/c, KVK spoke on the technology transfer programme conducted for the betterment for the farming community, youths and extension functionaries.
At the outset Mr. Amit Srivastava, Co-organizing Secretary, AED welcomed the gathering and Dr. L.B. Singh, Head I/c KVK proposed vote of thanks.
Altogether 90 people participated in the programme.
