Port Blair, Dec 18: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair South Andaman organized training cum critical input distribution programme at Adazig and Baratang villages on 15.12.2022 under cluster front line demonstration (CFLD) centrally sponsored by NFSM scheme. The main objective of the programme is to improve the production and productivity of pulses in the islands on a sustainable basis. Mr. Vijay Mondal, Zilla Parishad was the chief guest of the programme. He advised the farming community to adopt advanced agricultural technologies and improve their pulse production to meet-out the demand of the population of the island. Dr Y Ramakrishna, Principal Scientist & Head briefed the demand, and supply of pulse production and he emphasized that the inclusion of pulses in the cropping system will be the only way to enhance pulse production with limited land resources. He stressed the importance of pulses production in the improvement of soil health and reduction in pest and disease incidence.
Dr N. Bommayasamy, SMS (Agro./Agrl.Extn.), briefed on pulses production strategies such as seed treatment with microbial cultures, enriched manure preparation, foliar application of pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM), organic pest and disease management, and post-harvest processing. Critical inputs, such as Blackgram and Green Gram seeds, Rhizobium, Phosphobacteria, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, and pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs bacteria, were provided to fifty farmers in Danzig and Baratang villages as part of the programme. The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr.Telesphor Ekka, Progressive farmers, Nayagarh. The programme was organized under the supervision and guidance of Dr E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, and Port Blair.