23 June 2026, Sri Vijaya Puram
ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, celebrated its 49th Foundation Day today. Ms Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Fisheries), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, was the Chief Guest. Shri K. Vijayapandian, General Manager, NABARD, attended as Guest of Honour. The Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Dr A. K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, New Delhi. The programme was presided over by Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI.
In her Chief Guest address, Ms. Pallavi Sarkar, congratulated ICAR-CIARI on its significant contributions to the growth and development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. She noted that, unlike many ICAR institutes that focus on a specific sector, ICAR-CIARI addresses all aspects of island agriculture, including crop production, animal science, fisheries, natural resource management, and rural development.
As the Institute approaches its Golden Jubilee year, she commended its efforts in generating technologies and solutions tailored to the unique needs of the island ecosystem. She emphasized three key priorities for the Institute in the coming years. First, she stressed that the technologies being disseminated through the Institute’s “One Technology a Day” social media initiative should reach every farmer in the Islands, ensuring that no farmer is left behind.
Second, she highlighted the need to address unemployment through skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, and startup creation to enhance livelihood opportunities for rural youth. Third, she underscored the importance of climate-resilient agriculture and called upon the Institute to integrate climate adaptation strategies across its research and development programmes in agriculture, animal science, fisheries, and natural resource management to ensure sustainable agricultural growth in the Islands.
Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture, Dr A.K. Nayak, lauded ICAR-CIARI for its 360-degree approach to agricultural development and its dedicated service to the farming community of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He observed that the Institute has brought about visible and qualitative improvements in the livelihoods of island farmers through its research, technologies, and extension efforts. Describing Foundation Day as the “birthday” of the Institute, he emphasized that the occasion provides an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to introspect on the challenges that remain and the services yet to be delivered to the farming community. Highlighting the increasing pressures of climate change on land, water, and natural resources, he stressed the need for innovative and science-based solutions. He urged the Institute to develop a holistic and actionable contingency plan for the Islands, similar to the national contingency planning efforts of ICAR-CRIDA, to address emerging challenges such as delayed monsoons caused by El Niño events. He further called for the development of location-specific livelihood models, strengthening food and nutritional self-sufficiency to reduce dependence on the mainland, and the preparation of a robust State Action Plan–2047 that takes into account urbanization, tourism expansion, and resource pressures, with a clear focus on research and development that delivers visible and lasting societal impact.
In his address, Shri K. Vijayapandian, emphasized that the true success of agricultural research lies in ensuring that technologies reach farmers at the grassroots level and contribute to their livelihood enhancement and socio-economic upliftment. He stressed the need for greater commercialization of technologies developed by research institutions so that their benefits can reach a larger farming community. Referring to the seven products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that have received Geographical Indication (GI) registration, he noted that their commercial utilization is essential for realizing their full potential and generating greater income opportunities for island farmers. He congratulated the scientists, staff, and stakeholders of ICAR-CIARI for their achievements and contributions to the development of island agriculture.
Earlier, Dr Jai Sunder, presented the Institute’s achievements and highlighted its contributions to sustainable agricultural development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He commended the dedication of the Institute’s staff and outlined key research and development initiatives in island biodiversity conservation, crop, horticulture and livestock productivity enhancement, integrated farming systems, natural resource management, organic and natural farming, post-harvest technology, policy support research, and entrepreneurship development. He informed that 18 crop varieties, including rice, green gram, black gram, brinjal, Malabar tamarind and bay leaf, had been recommended by the State Variety Release Committee for release. He also highlighted successful Integrated Farming System models, the Institute’s growing intellectual property portfolio through granted patents and designs, and ongoing efforts under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan to promote balanced fertilization and sustainable farming practices across the Islands. Dr. Jai Sunder also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Regional Station at Lakshadweep.
During the occasion, technologies, crop varieties, vegetables and innovations developed by the Divisions of Horticulture and Crop Improvement, Field Crops, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) were showcased through exhibitions and displays. A farmer–scientist interaction session was also organized, enabling farmers to share their experiences, discuss field-level challenges, and receive scientific guidance and practical solutions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of their farming enterprises.
During the programme, six publications comprising technical bulletins and informational folders were released. Progressive farmers from the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands were honoured for their successful adoption and dissemination of ICAR-CIARI technologies. Scientists and staff members were also recognized for their exemplary contributions in technology development and commercialization, conduct of field experiments, research publications, section performance, and overall service to the Institute.
Earlier, the dignitaries participated in a plantation drive of the Institute’s dwarf coconut varieties and visited exhibitions showcasing the diverse crop varieties, technologies, and innovations developed by ICAR-CIARI for the benefit of island farming communities.
(Source: ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
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