Port Blair, June 23: Central Agricultural Research Institute celebrated its 34th foundation day at its conference hall at Garacharma today. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. T.R. Dutta, Founder Director of the Institute appreciated the efforts taken by everyone in developing the Institute braving heavy rains, leeches, snakes, centipedes and other poisonous creatures while clearing the jungle and making terraced plot under soil conservation principles.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. A.S. Dagar, Secretary (Agril.), A & N Administration expressed his happiness on the strong linkage between the Institute and the Administration especially all the three line Departments.
Padma Bhusan Dr. R.B. Singh, President of National Academy of Agriculture Science (NAAS), New Delhi and Ex-ADG (FAO) of the United Nation while giving his special remarks on the foundation day emphasized that the institute should aim for convergence to grow for synergetic benefits.
He called for a renewed vision 2020 for development of island agriculture by aiming at enhancing the productivity by 20% and reducing the emissions and poverty level by 20% each.
Scientists from BSI, ZSI, FSI, NIOT, ASI, Pondichery University and officials from local administration also participated in the ceremony apart from the staff of CARI. Mr. M.A. Salam, Director of Agriculture, Dr. V. Krishnamurty, Director of Fisheries and Dr. P. Balakrishnan, Director of AH&VS of A & N Administration also spoke on the occasion and acknowledged CARI’s contribution in improving the farm sector.
At the outset Dr. D.R. Singh, Director, CARI in his introductory remarks informed about the importance of the day, the scientific work done by the Institute, strong linkage with the Line Departments and the laurels, the Institute has received both at State and National level.
A compendium on Farm Innovations and ITK of A & N Islands and a memoir of Dr. T.R. Dutta was released. On the occasion, the founder Director, Dr. T.R. Dutta, five founding staff members of CARI and Directors of the Development Departments were felicitated for their meritorious contribution in development of agricultural sector and strengthening the linkage of the institute with the stakeholders.
