Port Blair(Sri Vijaya Puram): Turning natural farming from a concept into a practical farm-level skill, the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram, conducted a one-day training programme on “Natural Farming in Integrated Farming Systems” for farmers of South Andaman at its Gharacharma Farm on Monday. Held under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and chaired by ICAR-CIARI Director Dr. Jai Sunder, the training placed particular emphasis on the scientific basis, preparation, quality, storage and field application of natural farming inputs, including Beejamrutha, Jeevamrutha, Ghanajeevamrutha and Neemastra.
Rather than limiting the programme to theoretical discussions, the training provided farmers with hands-on exposure to the preparation and handling of these farm-made inputs. The practical component was aimed at enabling farmers to understand the processes involved and use locally available biological and organic resources more effectively.
The technical sessions covered the fundamentals of natural farming, integrated farming systems suited to island conditions, recycling of farm wastes for nutrient management, and the preparation and application of natural farming inputs. The emphasis was on converting farm residues and other locally available organic resources into useful inputs while reducing dependence on externally sourced agricultural materials.
A dedicated practical session allowed participating farmers to prepare the inputs themselves, followed by an interactive discussion on their quality, appropriate storage, field application and practical problems encountered at farm level. Farmers also shared their field experiences and sought technical clarification on adopting natural farming practices within their existing farming systems.
The programme highlighted the particular relevance of resource recycling in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where farming systems have to function within a fragile island agro-ecosystem. Integrating crop, livestock and other farm components and recycling available organic resources can help improve nutrient-use efficiency while reducing avoidable wastage of farm biomass.
The training is expected to strengthen farmers’ capacity to independently prepare and appropriately use natural farming inputs and integrate such practices into diversified farming systems under island conditions. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Gurunath Raddy, Dr. Chaithrashree J., Dr. Abhilash, Dr. I. Jaisankar, Dr. Arkadeb Mukhyopadhyaya, Dr. Y. Ramakrishna and Dr. P. Prabhu, who served as course coordinators.
