Regional Station, Minicoy of ICAR-CIARI Port Blair, in collaboration with ICAR-KVK, Kavaratti conducted a dual training programme on “Natural Farming” and “Responsible Fisheries” under the Schedule Tribe Component (STC) for the welfare of tribal farmers of Kavaratti, Kadmat, & Amini Islands from February 20th to 26th, 2024.
Dr. V.M. Abdul Gafoor, SMS, ICAR-KVK, Kavaratti, expressed his happiness with the activities of the Regional Station of ICAR-CIARI. He interacted with the farmers and shared his experience with the IFS (Integrated Farming System) incorporated with good and efficient livestock breeds. Dr. Ajina S. M. and Dr. Gladston Y., interacted with farmers on natural farming, organic farming, integrated farming systems, integrated pest management, and disseminated knowledge on how to initiate scientific farming practices in agriculture and allied sectors. Later, they visited the three islands of Lakshadweep and interacted with fishers on the aspects of responsible fisheries, community-based resource management, diversified fishing practices, and the role of FAD and disseminated knowledge on how to initiate sustainable fishing practices in pole and fisheries. The team also visited various fish landing sites, interacted with the fishermen and imparted hands on training on cast net operation.Farmers were also trained to prepare fish amino acid and bio slurry preparations. Shri. Arif M.I., Senior Technician, demonstrated fruit fly traps and mentioned their importance in integrated pest management.
At the end, inputs namely microbial pest controllers (Pseudomonas, Beauveria, Trichoderma and Verticilium ), Fruit fly traps, micro nutrient mixtures and vegetable seeds were distributed to farmers, which was attended by the officials of Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry of Kavaratti, Kadamat and Amini Islands. A total of 81 tribal farmers (38 females; 43 male) got benefitted.
Dr. Ajina S.M., Dr Gladston Y and Dr. Abdul Gafoor (Conveners)., Shri Arif M.I. (coordinator), Dr.S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Nodal Officer, Lakshadweep coordinated the overall conduct of programme under the Chairmanship of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.