Dr. E. B Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair along with Dr. S. K Zamir Ahmed, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer, R.S. Minicoy visited Regional Station (RS), Minicoy on 22nd & 23rd May 2024
At the outset he interacted with the Scientific team and the staff, and went round the farm area situated at South Bandaram of the Regional Station to have a ground reality of the field and the existing coconut crop in the farm. Thereafter he inaugurated the latest intervention of the Coconut based IFS model developed in 0.4 ha area undertaken by the scientific team with components such as spices, fodder, flowers, poultry breed- Gramashree, Sasso, Thalassery Nadan, Kadaknath & Thriven, fancy birds-Serama, fayomi, Quail, ducks Chara & Chambelli, Vigova super hybrid ducks, goat- Konkan Kanyal & non-descriptive breed & cattle, fish, to provide option for employment and income generation. In the afternoon he visited the farmers plot of progressive farmer Shri. Shahid Kunnugae & Minmas-fish processing centre supported by team RS Minicoy, beside the fish landing centers at western side, lagoon area & fisheries tourism activities followed by interaction with the Moopans. Next day Director along with the team visited village houses situated at Fallessary, Funhilol, Bada to understand the culture and technology needs of the stakeholders. Mini incubator center at existing infrastructure facilities along with guest house, quarter, farmers hostel & office building was also visited to assess the present condition of the building.
Fish Farmers in special came to meet the Dr E. B. Chakurkar, Director. ICAR- CIARI and appreciated the intervention of placing the Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) which has enhanced the Tuna catch, beside they also put on record the good work done by the centre for the benefit of the tribal farmers of the Island. Director also planted a coconut sapling to mark the visit on 22nd May 2024 at the Regional Station.
Director in his final remarks appreciated the effort of the team and drew a master plan of action for furthering the cause of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries along with the value addition aspect for better options to drive in decent livelihood of the stakeholders.