Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 28 September 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has sounded an alarm over what he termed because the “gross negligence” of the Agriculture Department and ICAR in addressing a deepening agrarian disaster within the Islands.
In a communication to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah, and Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the MP highlighted that farmers are reeling beneath extreme losses resulting from widespread infestations of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly and Mealybug in coconut, arecanut, banana and different fruit-bearing crops. He alleged that regardless of repeated warnings, the UT Administration and anxious companies have didn’t provoke efficient preventive or scientific management measures.
Citing the Prime Minister’s imaginative and prescient of doubling farmers’ earnings, Mr. Ray mentioned the scenario within the Islands paints a grim image. “Coconut water yield has fallen from over a litre to just 400–500 ml, arecanut production has nosedived from around 10 tons to only a few hundred kilograms, and local banana varieties have virtually vanished,” he acknowledged. He additionally expressed concern over the plight of tribal farmers in Nicobar district, who rely fully on agriculture for livelihood and meals safety.
The MP accused the Administration of ignoring repeated representations from farmers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and even his personal workplace. He additional alleged that the Agriculture Department is being managed by non-technical officers, whereas ICAR-CARI scientists have didn’t ship outcomes regardless of holding a number of conferences and subject inspections.
In his letter, Shri Ray urged the Government of India to take rapid corrective measures, together with:
- Deputing a high-level scientific professional crew from the mainland to evaluate the scenario and work together with farmers.
- Launching preventive and scientific management measures towards pest infestations.
- Fixing accountability on Agriculture Department officers and ICAR scientists for negligence.
- Appointing certified agricultural consultants in key posts throughout the Islands’ Agriculture Department.
- Providing compensation to affected farmers and tribal communities after correct surveys.
- Organizing coaching and publicity visits for farmers on trendy farming practices.
Warning of a collapse within the farming sector if pressing motion shouldn’t be taken, Mr. Ray appealed for direct intervention from the Centre. “The livelihoods of thousands of farmers are at stake. Unless immediate steps are taken, the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering farmers will remain unfulfilled,” he cautioned.
