The ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, in
collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman, organized a
programme to witness the live telecast of the release of the 21st installment of the Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) on 19 November 2025.
The event was held in the esteemed presence of Honourable Member of Parliament Shri
Bishnu Pada Ray, Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (A), ICAR-CIARI, PRI members, and farmers
from various villages. In his address, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray shared his experiences in natural
farming and urged farmers to adopt advanced scientific technologies developed by ICAR-
CIARI for improving the socio-economic status of island farmers. He also interacted with
participants, responding to their queries related to agriculture and allied sectors. Dr. Jai
Sunder highlighted the importance of Natural Farming Practices, the Gokul Mission, and the
necessity of poultry vaccination for ensuring sustainable agricultural growth in the
islands.Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK South Andaman, explained
natural farming-based approaches for pest and disease management.Dr. Ajit Waman, Senior
Scientist, CIARI, discussed whitefly management and shared strategies to enhance the yield
of local spice crops.Shri Chittaranjan Raul, Scientist, briefed the participants on biofloc
technology and inland fish farming.
During the national telecast, Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the
21st installment of PM-KISAN after inaugurating the South India Natural Farming Summit
2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The installment, amounting to over Rs. 18,000 crore, has
benefitted nearly nine crore farmers across India, supporting them in purchasing essential
farm inputs and meeting family needs such as education, healthcare, and other household
expenses. A total of 271 farmers and farmwomen from various island villages participated
in the programme conducted at ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, KVK North & Middle
Andaman, and KVK Nicobar.