The Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), a unique multidisciplinary institute of ICAR established in 23rd June 1978. The research activities are carried out under five divisions viz., Horticulture & Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Field Crops Improvement & Protection, Fisheries Science, Animal Science and Social Science Section. The Institute has its main campus located at Garacharma farm, South Andaman and is spread over 62 ha of land wherein research work related to field crops, horticulture, animal sciences and fresh water fisheries are being carried out. In addition, it has 3 KrishiVigyanKendras located each at Sippighat, South Andaman district, Car Nicobar, Nicobar district and Nimbudera, North & Middle Andaman district covering all the three districts of the Islands. At Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep, the institute has its regional station. The institute has accumulated wealth of experience on island agriculture by conducting research and development related work for last 40 years. CIARI has developed many technologies over years for improving the farm productivity. The main focus is to enhance productivity through characterization and conservation of island genetic resources, development of genetically superior climate resilient varieties/breeds, integrated systems approach in island farming, development of climate resilient agricultural technologies suitable for the agro-ecological conditions of the islands, effective management of post-harvest losses and promoting agro-ecotourism, agri-prenurship through capacity building. The effective transfer of technologies would help to achieve self sufficiency in major food items, particularly the perishable commodities and to ensure nutritional and livelihood security to the island farmers/fishers/farm women especially the tribal farmers of the Nicobar group of islands. CIARI has done commendable progress for the overall development of the agriculture sector in the island and emerged as one of the unique Institute which deals with Tropical Island Ecosystem in the NARS especially in the Island Nation. The CIARI has been recognized for the significant contribution in the island agricultural research at State Level, National Level and at International Level.

The Biotech-Kisan Hub has been established at the institute which will facilitate with the partnering institutes viz. KVK, South Andaman, KVK, North & Middle Andaman, KVK, Nicobar and Regional Station at Lakshadweep. The Hub will act as a Nodal centre to act as the platform for scientist farmer’s interaction of all the farmers of the A & N Islands as well as Lakshadweep Islands to address the issues of development of backyard livestock and poultry sector of the island farmers.