“Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” Field Day- Vegetable cultivation (Pumpkin) under coconut plantation, At Regional Station Minicoy, Lakshadweep of ICAR- CIARI, conducted
Regional Station, Minicoy of ICAR-CIARI Port Blair, conducted a “Field Day-Vegetable cultivation (Pumpkin) under coconut plantation” for the tribal farmers of Minicoy on 12th August 2022.
Speaking on the inaugural occasion, the Chief Guest Dr. Shrikant R. Tapdiya, the Deputy Collector of Minicoy expressed his happiness on the ICAR-CIARI technologies, scientific pumpkin farming and doubling farmers income through agriculture. A total of 23 participants including farmers and farm women from Fallessery, Bada, and South Bandaram were attended the field day in which they were exposed to a scientific pumpkin cultivation at the institute.The scientific team comprising of Dr. Gladston Y. and Dr. Ajina S. M. interacted with the farmers and impressed upon the package of practices for organic pumpkin cultivation under coconut plantation. Shri. Shareefuddeen Hassan, Senior Technical Assistant and Shri. Arif M.I., Senior Technician the Coordinator of the programme informed about the technical know-how and do how to the participants in ‘Mahl’ (the local language).As pumpkin is one of the most demanded vegetable in Lakshadweep islands, the farmers were highly fascinated by this potential crop, which can be successful to earn high returns in short period of time. A total number of 25 fully matured pumpkins were harvested in the presence of Deputy Collector, Minicoy which fetched a total weight of 132 kg.
The vegetable kits were distributed among the farmers in the presence of officials of Department of Agriculture, Minicoy Unit Shri. Kunjikoya. A total of 19 women and 4 men farmers were participated.
Dr. Gladston Y, Convener and Co-Convenors Mrs. Ajina S.M., Coordinator, Shri Shareefuddeen Hassan & Shri Arif M.I.,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. /p>
