ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair celebrates its 45th Foundation Day
ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair celebrated its 45th Foundation Day on 23rd June, 2022. Shri. P. Subramanyam, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Andaman & Nicobar Islands was the Chief Guest. While Dr. T.V.R.S. Sharma, Ex- G.B. Member, ICAR and Dr. Ashok Gupta, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, A & N Administration were present as Guests of Honour. Dr. Anjani Kumar Srivastava, Former Head, Division of Biochemistry, IVRI, Izatnagar delivered Foundation Day lecture on “Inner Science”. He elaborated how to lead the better life through inner science.
The Chief Guest, Shri. P. Subramanyam, IFS, PCCF, A & N Islands congratulated the Institute for its achievement for the growth and developments of Islands. He expressed, CIARI is the unique agricultural institute among other institute working in other parts of India. He urged the institute to address on the issue of biodiversity and ecology security of the Islands. CIARI can work towards nutritional security and self sufficiency especially in the field of endemic fruits and vegetables. He also suggested to propagate the vegetable seed production technology to make the island self sufficiency. Bee-keeping is another emerging areas which needs more thrust, he urged the Director to conduct more number of capacity building programmes and demonstration for its mass promotion.
The Guest of Honor, Dr. T.V.R.S. Sharma, Former G.B. Member, ICAR expressed his concerned about climate change and biodiversity of Islands. He also emphasized that this institute should take a lead in research work on transfer of genes from wild relatives to cultivator crop, where salinity is more and also work towards coconut based farming system.
Dr. Ashok Gupta, Director, DAHVS, A&N Administration in his address complemented the institute for its dedicated services to the Island, particularly registration of breed, documentation and formulating new strategies. He also suggested focusing on seaweeds, fodders and exploring possible production technologies for enhancement of agriculture and allied sector.
Dr Eaknath B Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, appreciated the efforts of all the staff members and lauded good work rendered by Social Science Section and KVKs in dissemination of the technologies. The Director briefed about the various achievements of the Institute during the last year and expressed that through basic and adoptive research many high rated papers were published and commercialized four technologies during this year. He further urged the scientists to work in a team mode not in a group towards the best outcome and betterment of the farmer’s community.
A total of 15 publications including technical bulletins, Annual Report- 2021 and Newsletter (January-March 2022) were released and Institute new website was also launched on this occasion. Eighteen progressive farmers from Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands were also awarded for successfully adopting the CIARI technology. Scientists and staff members were also awarded and felicitated for their outstanding contribution in the field of technology development, commercialization, best experimental field, best section, best research publication and efficient staff members.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIARI delivered the welcome address and briefed the gathering about the achievements of the Institute. Dr. Pooja Bohra, Scientist, ICAR-CIARI coordinated the entire programme. Dr. Debasis Bhattacharya, Head, Animal Science Division proposed vote of thanks. All the staff members of ICAR-CIARI including its Regional Station at Minicoy, Lakshadweep, KVK, North & Middle Andaman, KVK, Nicobar and officials from other ICAR institutes also participated in the event through virtual mode.
