Port Blair, Dec 23: The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra celebrated Kisan Diwas-2022 and awareness programme on natural farming on 23rd Dec. 2022 at its three locations Sippighat, Nimbudera and Nicobar with main aim of creating awareness of the contribution of farmers to the socio economic development of the nation. Every year the birth anniversary of Mr. Chaudhary Charan Singhji is observed as National Farmer’s Day to recognize his contributions for the farmers. Dr Debasis Bhattacharya, Director (I/c), CIARI, Port Blair graced the occasion as Chief Guest at Sippighat. He congratulated and appreciated each and every farmer who is working continuously for feeding our growing population and economic growth of our nation. He shared that important innovation occurred in association with nature and farming. He motivated the farming community to lead their happy and healthy life in association with nature. Dr. P.K Singh, Principal Scientist & Head (I/c), Division of FC&IP, CIARI, Port Blair discussed the importance of pulses in different cropping systems which enriches micro flora and soil health. Dr. T. Subramani, Sr. Scientist & Head (I/c), NRM Division, CIARI, Port Blair briefed integration of livestock and crops under Natural farming and advised the farmers to adopt climate resilient technologies and exclude the synthetic chemicals and external input. Dr B.K. Nanda, Head (I/c) KVK, South Andaman discussed the necessity of adoption of natural farming for the fragile island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Dr N. Bommayasamy, SMS (Agro./Agrl.Extn.), explained about promotion of alternative farming system free from externally purchased inputs, cost reduction and increasing farm income through natural farming, integrated agriculture and animal husbandry based with desi/indigenous cows and local resources, create awareness and up scaling of natural farming products and certification to compete with national and international markets. Dr. Pooja Kapoor, SMS (Home Science) discussed the role of women in agriculture and sustainable livelihood.
At North and Middle Andaman district, the awareness programme was conducted at Basantipur gram panchayat. Sri Ramakrishna Roy, Pradhan, Basantipur Gram Panchayat graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Sri Ashim Dutta, Panchayat Samiti member, Sri Bibhuti Ranjan Biswas, PRI members of Basantipur Gram Panchayat attended the program. Sri Thanmay Paul, Technical Officer, KVK organized the program and discussed the importance and methods of natural farming and its suitability and necessity for the N & M Andaman. The awareness programme was conducted at Car Nicobar where Sri Paul David, 1st Headman, Perka village graced the occasion as Chief Guest.