Under the coordination of ICAR-KVK CIARI Nicobar and Department of Natural
Resource Management, ICAR-CIARI Sri Vijayapuram around 30 tribal farmers from Nicobar
participated in an exposure visit to ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijayapuram, during Kisan Mela 2026
organized by the institute. The farmers exhibited keen interest in the technologies
demonstrated during the mela and actively took part in various hands-on training sessions
conducted by the institute scientists. The programme was designed to promote integrated
farming systems and enhance income-generation opportunities for tribal farmers within the
island ecosystem. In addition to the exposure visit critical livelihood support materials were
distributed under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) initiative. The distribution included 3 goats & 16
piglets (under AICRP on IFS, Modipuram), high yielding vegetable seeds, ice boxes, torches,
tarpaulin sheets, and essential animal medicines. These interventions were aimed at
strengthening crop-livestock integration and improving household-level income and
nutritional security. The group of visitors also comprised of traditional healers from Car
Nicobar as part of DST project on ethno-veterinary practices.
The initiative was implemented in alignment with the vision of the Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR) for livelihood empowerment and sustainable agricultural
development among tribal communities. In regards to this, Chief Tribal Council, Car Nicobar
Shri. Lionald Nicomed who has participated in the Kisan Mela as distinguished guest has
conveyed his regards for the efforts ICAR-CIARI Sri Vijayapuram to the agricultural
development of the Nicobar Islands. The programme was executed with the active
involvement of Dr. I. Jai Shankar, Dr. T. Sujatha, Dr. P. K. Singh, Dr. D. Karunakaran, Dr. Raj
Narayan, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna and Dr. Sharath Yeligar. All activities were
carried out under the guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijayapuram.
On return from the visit, a programme was conducted at ICAR–KVK, CIARI,
Nicobar in the presence of the Chief Guest, Dr. Naveen Kumar, DANICS, Assistant
Commissioner, Car Nicobar (HQ), focusing on the proper utilization and usefulness of the
materials distributed to the farmers. In his address, the assistant commissioner appreciated the
efforts of ICAR-KVK, CIARI, Nicobar and advised farmers to adopt technologies and
practices that are suitable for the local conditions of the Nicobar region. The participants
were guided on adopting suitable agricultural technologies and practices to improve farm
productivity and strengthen their livelihoods. Mr. K. Paul, Village Captain of Perka, also
attended the programme and encouraged the farmers to actively participate in such initiatives
for the development of agriculture in the village. During the programme, farmers shared their
experience of attending the Kisan Mela and explained how exposure to various agricultural
technologies and interactions with scientists helped her gain valuable knowledge for
improving farming practices. The participants also expressed their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jai
Sundar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, for providing the opportunity to attend the Kisan Mela,
which enabled them to gain valuable knowledge and exposure to new agricultural
technologies and practices.