ICAR–KVK Nicobar Promotes Vermicomposting and Sustainable Farming at Big Lapathy Village Beneath Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Spice Pravah 2.0

Car Nicobar | June 17, 2026

As a part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the continued Spice Pravah 2.0 marketing campaign, ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)-CIARI, Nicobar, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Car Nicobar, organized an consciousness and demonstration programme on sustainable agriculture and vermicomposting at Big Lapathy Village on June 17.

The programme aimed to create consciousness amongst farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, natural nutrient administration, vermicomposting, and spice cultivation to enhance soil well being and farm productiveness. A complete of 35 farmers, together with 17 males and 18 ladies, participated within the occasion.

The programme was attended by Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, because the Chief Guest, whereas Mr. Lionel Nicomed, Chairman of the Tribal Council (CTC), Car Nicobar, participated because the Guest of Honour. Mr. Manuah Thomas, First Captain of Big Lapathy Village, was additionally current and prolonged his help to the farming group.

Addressing the members, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, ICAR–KVK Nicobar, delivered a technical session highlighting the significance of vermicomposting in sustainable agriculture. He defined that vermicompost enhances soil fertility, improves nutrient availability, will increase soil natural carbon, promotes helpful microbial exercise, and reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers. He additionally inspired farmers to make efficient use of regionally out there natural residues and farm waste to provide high quality vermicompost.

As a part of the sensible demonstration, three HDPE vermibeds have been distributed and put in within the village to advertise vermicompost manufacturing. One of the vermibeds was arrange on the farm of Ms. Ester, a progressive farmer of Big Lapathy. Farmers have been supplied hands-on coaching on vermibed set up, earthworm administration, moisture regulation, feeding practices, and harvesting of vermicompost.

The demonstration generated appreciable curiosity amongst members, a lot of whom expressed their willingness to determine vermicomposting items on their farms.

Speaking on the event, Mr. Amit Kale, IAS, appreciated the efforts of ICAR–KVK Nicobar and the Department of Agriculture in implementing Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Spice Pravah 2.0 throughout the Nicobar district. He lauded initiatives selling sustainable agriculture, natural farming, and pure useful resource conservation, and inspired farmers to undertake scientific and environmentally pleasant applied sciences to enhance productiveness, soil well being, and farm earnings.

Mr. Lionel Nicomed emphasised the significance of soil conservation and sustainable farming practices for the long-term agricultural growth of the Nicobar Islands. He appreciated the technical help and capacity-building efforts being undertaken for the advantage of the farming group.

Mr. Manuah Thomas welcomed the initiative and urged farmers to actively take part in developmental programmes and undertake really useful applied sciences comparable to vermicomposting and natural nutrient administration to attain sustainable agricultural development.

The programme additionally supplied a platform for interplay between farmers, scientists, and officers, throughout which points associated to vermicomposting, soil fertility administration, spice cultivation, natural farming, and sustainable agricultural practices have been mentioned.

The occasion concluded with a vote of due to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, village representatives, taking part farmers, officers of the Department of Agriculture, and ICAR–KVK employees for his or her help and cooperation in making the programme successful.

The programme was organized underneath the steering of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, with the target of strengthening sustainable agricultural practices and bettering the livelihoods of farmers throughout the Nicobar district.