PORT BLAIR, 15 May 2025: In a major step toward promoting eco-friendly and low-input agriculture, the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), in collaboration with the Andaman Science Association (ASA) and Gujarat Natural Farming Science University (GNFSU), organized a National Workshop on “Sustainable Agriculture through Natural Farming” at Sri Vijaya Puram, Port Blair.
The event brought together leading scientists, researchers, farmers, and extension professionals to discuss sustainable farming practices tailored to island ecosystems. The workshop opened with the ICAR song and ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by welcome addresses from Mr. Talaviya Harshangkumar and Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI and President of ASA.
Keynote speaker Dr. C. K. Timbadia, Vice Chancellor of GNFSU, emphasized the transformative potential of natural farming to restore soil fertility, reduce dependence on chemicals, and improve farmer resilience. Guest speakers from ICAR and GNFSU highlighted microbial dynamics, multilayer farming, and recent research showing the agro-ecological benefits of natural farming systems.
The workshop featured lectures on practical farming methods, bio-input preparation, and strategies for adopting natural farming at scale. Technical sessions covered the role of soil microbiota, nutrient cycling, and scalable models of integrated farming.
Farmers, scientists, and extension workers from KVK South Andaman, Minicoy (Lakshadweep), Nimbudera, and Nicobar participated, both in person and virtually. The event reaffirmed ICAR-CIARI’s mission to lead the way in climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture for island regions and beyond.
