Twin programme under the theme “Tribal empowerment” under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) was conducted on “Agricultural technologies for enhancing the income & nutritional security of tribal farmers and Income generating activity for tribal youth” under the STC by ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute in coordination with Zonal Agricultural Office, Nancowry at 4 tribal villages namely Upper Katchal, E-Wall, Meenakshi Ram Nagar and Japan Tikri of Katchal Island on 6-7th April, 2023. A total of 131 tribal farmers (95 males and 36 females) participated in the programme which includes 43 from Upper Katchal, 32 from E-Wall, 31 from Meenakshi Ram Nagar and 25 participants from Japan Tikri.
Shri. Hamilton, IInd Headman, Upper Katchal, Shri. S. Samson, Vice Chief Captain, E-Wall, Shri. L. Aron, Ist Captain, Kapanaga village and Shri. Thomas Kireul, st Headman, Japan Tikri graced the occasion.
Shri D Karunakaran, Scientist and coordinator of the programme welcomed the participants and explained about mobile apps related to coconut crops, pig management and briefed entrepreneurship opportunities in coconut production and value addition for enhancing income and nutritional security. Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist explained about various ICAR-CIARI technologies and the importance of agroforestry, trees/shrubs for soil health, fodder and fence management. Shri Vinod Kumar, Assistant Director (Soil), Port Blair, highlighted on various Govt. schemes available under Agricultural Department of Andaman & Nicobar Administration for the benefit of farmers and youths. Mr. Mohammed Haneefa, Agriculture Field Assistant, Spices Progeny Orchard, Katchal, accompanied the team during the training, field visits and demonstration of coconut climber at different villages of Katchal. During the two days programme 50 coconut climbers were distributed, which was very much appreciated by the tribal farmers.
The training programme was co-ordinated by Shri. D. Karunakaran, Scientist, Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist, Dr. S. K. Zamir Ahmed, Principal Scientist & Head I/c Fisheries Science Division and Shri P.S. Prasad, Assistant Director(Agri) Nancowry under the plan & guidance of Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI.