A group of 60 teachers from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands visited ICAR-CIARI on 23
September 2026 as part of the Practical Skill Training Programme for Master Trainers in
Vocational Education. The skill-based learning component of the programme was focused on
the domain “Work with Life Form,” with an emphasis on practical exposure and experiential
learning. During the visit, the teachers were provided opportunities to gain hands-on
knowledge related to nature, plants, agriculture, gardening, plant care, animal care, and other
allied agricultural activities, thereby enhancing their practical understanding and skills for
effective vocational education and training.
Dr. Prokasananda Bala, I/c Head, Animal Science Division, along with Dr. Rafeeque
Rahman Alyethodi, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Perumal P., Senior Scientist, provided hands-on
training to the participants on various aspects of animal science and allied agricultural practices.
The training included practical demonstrations on animal biometry, vaccination, estimation of
animal body weight, egg handling, and lactometer reading of milk. The participants were also
introduced to the low-cost brooder system and biosecurity measures, along with
demonstrations on fodder field management, the concept of balanced feed, and proximate
analysis of food samples. The practical sessions provided valuable experiential learning and
enhanced the participants’ understanding of scientific and cost-effective approaches to animal
husbandry and livestock management.
Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientist, provided the participants with detailed
information on underutilized fruits and their potential importance in horticulture and livelihood
development. He also explained various grafting techniques and demonstrated their practical
application at the Horticulture Propagation Unit. The session provided participants with hands-
on exposure to plant propagation practices and enhanced their understanding of the
conservation, multiplication, and utilization of diverse fruit crops for sustainable horticultural
production.
On 24 September 2026, a group of 70 students from Classes VIII, IX and XI of Kamaraj
English Medium School, Sri Vijaya Puram, visited ICAR-CIARI with the objective of gaining
knowledge and awareness about biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and various allied
agricultural practices. During the visit, the students interacted with scientists and received
valuable insights through informative discussions and practical demonstrations. Dr. M.
Muruganandam, Head, Fisheries Science Division, briefed the students on fish biodiversity and
its importance in aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientist, explained the
diversity of horticultural crops and medicinal plants, highlighting their significance for
sustainable agriculture and human well-being. Dr. Gurunath Reddy, Scientist, interacted with
the students on integrated farming systems, vermicomposting and the recycling of farm
resources, emphasizing the efficient utilization of available resources with minimal external
inputs. Dr. Abhilash, Scientist, explained the functioning and importance of the meteorological
station and its role in agricultural planning and decision-making. The students also gained an
understanding of ecosystems, their interrelationships, plant propagation techniques and the
importance of biodiversity conservation. The visit provided an enriching and interactive
learning experience, helping the students connect classroom concepts with practical
applications in agriculture, environment and natural resource management.
The programme was coordinated by Shri D. Karunakaran, Scientist and In-charge,
Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit, with the support of Smt. Asma Bibi, Senior Technical
Assistant, Shri Ali Akbar, Technician, and Mr. C. P. Vijayan, Young Professional-I, under the
leadership and guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.