The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), in collaboration with the Andaman Science Association, organized a one-day workshop titled “Harnessing the Potential of Agro-Ecotourism in the A & N Islands” at its Garacharma campus on March 27, 2025. The workshop was honored by the presence of Dr. Chandrakasan Sivaperuman, Scientist E and Officer In charge, Zoological Survey of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, who served as the Chief Guest. Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, chaired the event. The workshop was attended by 96 participants, including officials from the Directorate of Agriculture, A & N Administration, representatives from travel, tour, and tourist vehicle associations, members of the hotel industry, progressive farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Chandrakasan Sivaperuman commended the agro-ecotourism initiatives at ICAR-CIARI. He noted that Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) are the primary tourist destinations, highlighting the need to promote additional agro-ecotourism sites across the Andaman Islands. This expansion would not only provide educational and entertaining experiences but also help market local spices and products, attracting more visitors and generating income for local farmers. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of incorporating activities such as bird watching and butterfly observation into agro-ecotourism offerings, as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endemic bird species found nowhere else in the world. He also advocated for the promotion of these agro-ecotourism sites through social media to effectively reach potential tourists.
Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, in his presidential address, outlined the Agro-Ecotourism Model developed by researchers at ICAR-CIARI’s Garacharma and Sippighat farms. He emphasized the workshop's goal of exploring and promoting agro-ecotourism, which has the potential to boost farm income, rejuvenate and diversify the rural economy, and safeguard the cultural heritage of the islands. The newly inaugurated agro-ecotourism site is set to support the tourism industry and is ready to welcome visitors, with the finalization of entry ticket prices nearing completion.
Mr. M. Vinod, President of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators, praised the region's abundant biodiversity, encompassing both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. He emphasized the significant potential for developing agro-ecotourism, which could provide livelihoods for numerous island residents. Additionally, he urged the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) to collaborate with ICAR-CIARI to incorporate bird and butterfly watching into their initiatives.
Following the inauguration, a technical session was held, where Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, provided an overview of ecotourism models. Dr. Ajit Arun Waman, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIARI, discussed horticulture-based agro-ecotourism models. Dr. Jai Sunder, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-CIARI, presented on the role of aquatic life and animals within the ecotourism model.
During the plenary session, Mr. Ankit Tripathy, General Secretary of the Tourist Vehicle Owners’ Association, Mr. T.K. Jijith Rekh, Owner of Junglee Mirchi Hotel & Resort, Mrs. Bhanumathi, a progressive farmer and agri-entrepreneur, and Mrs. Rani, a progressive farmer, shared their views. It was emphasized that awareness about agro-ecotourism should be enhanced through social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Policies should be formulated to facilitate business operations, making it easier for stakeholders to engage in and benefit from agro-ecotourism initiatives. Additionally, fostering awareness among all stakeholders was highlighted as a crucial step in promoting this sector effectively. The tourism department was urged to identify potential agro-ecotourism sites and actively promote these initiatives through an online platform to attract visitors. Lastly, providing subsidies to support the development of agro-ecotourism in rural areas was proposed to encourage participation and investment in this growing sector.
Following the technical session, participants were taken on an Agro-Eco Walk at Garacharma and Sippighat farm. Dr. T. Sujatha, the Organizing Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks, while Dr. Pooja Bohra, Senior Scientist, and Dr. Ajit Arun Waman coordinated the Agro-Eco Walk visit. Dr. Arun Kumar De, Senior Scientist, coordinated the technical event.