Swachhta Hi Seva Compaign 2026 at ICAR-CIARI
Cleanliness and Plantation Drive
Cleanliness and plantation activities in the area behind the ATIC (1st and 2nd October 2026)
Cleaning of Artistic Wall Paintings
Cleaning and maintenance of artistic wall paintings in the office premises to improve the cleanliness, appearance and overall hygiene of the workplace as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026 on 09th Oct, 2026.
Environment Friendly Activities Efficient Management of Bio Wastes
The Division of Natural Resource Management (NRM), ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, organised an “Environment Friendly Activity on Efficient Management of Bio-Wastes” at the Integrated Farming System (IFS) farm of the Institute. The programme was conducted as part of the activities scheduled under Special Campaign 4.0.
During the programme, weeds, fallen leaves, plant litter, crop residues and other biodegradable biomass available within the IFS farm were collected and segregated. Non-biodegradable materials were separated, while the suitable organic biomass was transferred to the vermicomposting unit for further decomposition and conversion into nutrient-rich organic manure on 10 Oct, 2026.
Environment-Friendly Activities: Efficient Management of Biological Wastes
Environment-friendly biological waste management activities were undertaken in the cattle, buffalo, goat and pig units of the institute, covering a total of 213 animals (22 cattle, 14 buffaloes, 105 goats and 72 pigs).
The livestock sheds were cleaned using a high-pressure jet washer to maintain hygienic housing conditions. The wastewater generated during shed cleaning was collected and reused for irrigation of fodder plots, promoting water conservation and resource recycling. Livestock urine was collected and utilized for fodder irrigation to facilitate nutrient recycling. Animal dung from all livestock units was collected and transported to the vermicompost unit for conversion into organic manure.
These activities promote efficient utilization of biological wastes, reduce indiscriminate waste disposal, conserve water and nutrients, and support sustainable livestock farming and fodder production. Thus, the initiative represents an integrated, environment-friendly approach to livestock waste management and a circular bio-resource utilization system on 11 OCt, 2026.
Awareness-cum-Demonstration Programme under "Special Campaign-4.0"
As part of the "Special Campaign-4.0", an awareness-cum-demonstration programme was organised for the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 2 on the application of biofertilizers in agriculture for the sustainable development of agriculture in the island ecosystem on 12.10.2026 at 10.30 am at Grain Laboratory, FCIP Section, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram.
A total of 40 students of class 11th standard participated in and benefited from the programme. The students actively engaged in the demonstration activities and showed keen interest in learning about the application and benefits of bio-fertilizers in sustainable agricultural practices. The programme aimed to create awareness among students about eco-friendly agricultural practices, soil health improvement, and the importance of bio-fertilizers in promoting sustainable agriculture in the island ecosystem. The programme was coordinated under the Guidance and supervision of Dr. P. K. Singh, Pr. Scientist and Dr. Prabhu, Scientist.
Waste to Wealth: Conversion of Wood Waste into Functional Seating under Integrated Farming System
As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign “Waste to Wealth: Artistic Sculptures from the waste material” conducted on 13 October 2026, an innovative Waste to Wealth initiative was undertaken to promote sustainable resource utilization and effective farm waste management. During the activity, discarded wood logs collected from sloping, vegetated areas near a farm water body were manually cleared, transported and cut into uniform heights to create sturdy, natural seating arrangements for staff, visitors and programme participants. This simple and cost-effective initiative transformed otherwise underutilized woody biomass into functional farm infrastructure, reducing waste accumulation and the need for commercially manufactured furniture. The wooden seating was established in an outdoor grassy area adjacent to the farm's vermicomposting unit, on the pathway to IFS and required places at farm highlighting the integration of waste recycling and sustainable agricultural practices. The initiative exemplifies the principles of a circular economy by converting locally available farm resources into useful assets. It also reinforces the objectives of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign by promoting cleanliness, responsible waste management, environmental awareness and community participation. Such low-cost, replicable practices demonstrate the potential of Integrated Farming Systems to improve resource-use efficiency while fostering an environmentally sustainable and aesthetically appealing farm environment.
Waste to Wealth: Artistic Sculptures from Waste Material
As part of Special Campaign 4.0, ICAR-CIARI undertook a “Waste to Wealth” activity on 14 October 2026, demonstrating the conversion of coconut and Pandanus leaf materials into useful and artistic articles.
Coconut leaves were woven into small cups. The coconut leaf midribs (sticks), separated using the Dweep Leaf Separator, were bundled and secured to prepare a broom. Pandanus leaves were similarly woven into cups. These leaf cups are bio-degradable and environmentally benign, and can be used as nursery containers and other household uses. These products demonstrated simple ways of combining traditional craftsmanship with the productive utilization of locally available plant residues. The activity highlighted the potential of leaf waste for preparing household utility items and decorative articles with minimal processing, as a part of circular bioeconomy.
