National Symposium by Andaman Science Association, CIARI and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh gets underway
A two day National Symposium on “Harmonizing Land Use for Emerging Challenges and Opportunities in the Island and Coastal Region” jointly organized by the Andaman Science Association (ASA), ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Port Blair and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh got inaugurated today at Dr. T. R. Dutta conference hall, Garacharma Research Complex of ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest Dr. A. K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture Science), ICAR, New Delhi, appreciated the efforts taken by the ICAR-CIARI,Port Blair, and the association in conducting the National Symposium addressing the five most vital component of the nature (Air, Water, Fire, Earth and the Space) ie. Panchmahabhoot. He assured for extending all scientific support from different ICAR institute in mainland under the gamet of Division of Horticulture Science with respect to availability of quality seeds and seedlings in Horticulture crops. He requested that the outcome of the symposium may be in the form of unconventional recommendations should be brought out to carry forward. Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management) gave the keynote address on the topic Current and emerging challenges for sustainable land use in the Island and coastal region.
The Guests of Honour Dr. N.C. Gautam, Former Vice-Chancellor Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya and Chairman RAC, ICAR-CIARI, dwelt in length on the pros and cons of the vital elements and stressed on imparting awareness program among the masses, so that the mother earth is preserved and the harmony of the human being is sustained. Shri Dinesh Kulkarni, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, spoke on the value addition part in the Panchmahabhoot in which the island ecosystem will be represented & recommendations will be made for the benefit of the island and coastal ecosystem. Shri H. Manoj, GM, Regional office NABARD, Port Blair and Swami Sudhanand, Chinmaya Mission also spoke on the occasion. Beside Smt.Bhanumathi and Shri.Pachamuthu Progressive farmers from Rangachang and Calicut villages shared their experiences on Integrated Farming System and Water resources development. The dignitaries also released publications for the benefit of the stake holders.
Earlier, Dr.Eaknath B. Chakurkar Director, ICAR-CIARI & President, Andaman Science Association welcomed the august gathering and expressed his happiness on CIARI being roped in for conduct of ninth program in the series on Panchmahabhoot. He assured to provide all technical support through his team of Scientists through R & D program. He also informed on the overwhelming response of the progressive farmers participating from different districts of ANI and Minicoy, Lakshadweep to understand the concept and adopt the same in enhancing the livelihood through technological intervention in Agriculture and allied field.
More than 150 delegates comprising of Scientists, technocrats, Change agents, including progressive farmers representing different part of Island and main land are participating in this event which is having five technical session .The inaugural came to end with vote of thanks proposed by Dr.A.Velmurugan, Organizing Secretary.
