The valedictory function of the two-day Kisan Mela concluded on March 19, 2025. Over 400 farmers from various clusters across South, Middle, and North Andaman & Nicobar participated in the event
Dr. S.K. Chaudhary, Director General of the Fertilizer Association of India and former Deputy Director General of Natural Resource Management at ICAR, New Delhi, was the Chief Guest. In his address, he expressed his satisfaction with the positive feedback from numerous farmers eager to acquire new knowledge and skills for their agricultural practices. He emphasized that all scientists at the Institute and KVK are committed to transferring innovative technologies and methodologies to the farming community. Dr. Chaudhary encouraged the farmers to share the knowledge gained from the Kisan Mela with their fellow farmers in their villages.He was particularly pleased with the number of awards received by young individuals and students, noting that at a time when many from the younger generation are moving away from agriculture, such recognition could inspire them to return to the field and pursue careers as entrepreneurs and scientists. He highlighted that adopting techniques such as organic farming, drone technology, information technology, and farm mechanization could significantly enhance agricultural productivity.Furthermore, he advised farmers to leverage the support provided by the scientists at the Institute and KVK to independently advance their cultivation practices using modern technologies. He also urged them to explore agro-eco tourism by integrating various elements such as crops, livestock, culture, heritage, and flowers to attract tourists..
In his presidential address, Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, expressed his satisfaction with the successful execution of the Kisan Mela. He commended the active participation of farmers and other stakeholders over the two days, highlighting their enthusiasm for learning and exchanging innovative ideas to improve their social and economic conditions. Dr. Chakurkar noted the positive feedback received from farmers each year following the event and encouraged them to focus on producing high-quality agricultural products. He also mentioned that the issues and inputs raised by farmers would assist the Institute's scientists in developing new research projects to address specific agricultural challenges.
During the event, five farmers were honored for their successful implementation of agricultural technologies and entrepreneurial ventures, representing three different districts. Additionally, awards for the best stall were presented to the Institute, the Agricultural Department, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK N&M Andaman, opened the event by warmly welcoming the distinguished guests and farmers. Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Nicobar, provided a brief overview of the Kisan Mela, while Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head of KVKs, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was coordinated by Shri Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist