The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their unique geography and ecological richness, face various challenges in different sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water resources, healthcare, and disaster management. Although they have potential for sustainable development, but limited infrastructure, underutilisation of natural resources, and the lack of access to modern technologies hinder the growth of the region. However, with the application of innovative solutions, these challenges can be addressed effectively.
To facilitate this, a three-day stakeholders’ meet was organised to discuss and disseminate CSIR technologies to address the region’s specific challenges. The event was jointly organised by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), New Delhi, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA)-National Coordinating Institute, IIT Delhi, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) from 11-13 March 2025, at JNRM in Port Blair.
The main aim of the Meet was to showcase CSIR technologies that are tailored to the socio-economic and ecological context of the region, facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, build collaborations and encourage partnerships for technology implementation, and provide capacity building through technology demonstrations and presentations.
The meeting follows an earlier event held in January 2024 and aimed to further explore the potential application of CSIR technologies to foster sustainable development in the region. The event was graced by a distinguished panel of experts.
The Chief Guest of the programme was Ms Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, Secretary (Agriculture/Animal Husbandry Coordinator CS Office) ED (ANIIDICO) and Guest of Honour Dr Eknath B Chakurkar, Director ICAR-CIARI. Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR; Dr Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI; Dr Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, CSIR-NBRI; Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh, Project Director, UBA; Shri Sreeparasad Kuttan, organising secretary, VIBHA and Principal in charge, JNRM; also graced the occasion. Scientists from various CSIR labs and NIOT, representatives from NABARD, and as many as 150 representatives from various SHGs participated in this meet.
Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal emphasised the event’s aim of utilising CSIR technology to enhance the Andaman & Nicobar region’s potential and improve its socioeconomic profile. She noted the significant participation of women at the event and discussed the roles of CSIR, UBA, and VIBHA in delivering S&T solutions for rural capacity building. Prof. Aggarwal extended gratitude to CSIR labs and NIOT for their engagement alongside CSIR-NIScPR.
Dr KC Joshi emphasised the crucial role of technology in rural development to unlock the potential of the region.
Ms Pallavi Sarkar remarked that the event is a landmark in introducing scientifically validated technologies to the Andaman & Nicobar region. Ms Sarkar urged stakeholders to engage in technology dissemination sessions with scientists to transform local natural resources into value-added products, which may be promoted for the international market. She stressed the need to identify and catalogue technologies that support socioeconomic development of the region, and she further encouraged collaboration between the scientific community and traditional knowledge to enhance products. Besides, she also noted the importance of promoting forest-based, animal-based, sea-based, and coconut and honey-related products on an international scale.
Dr Eaknath B Chakurkar highlighted the need for collaboration between scientific research institutions and local authorities for sustainable development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He further noted ICAR-CIARI’s prior partnerships with UBA and VIBHA. Dr Chakurkar also discussed secondary agriculture, including businesses like Amul butter and Arica net plate production. He encouraged stakeholders to take full advantage of the opportunity to engage with scientists present at the event.
Dr Sridevi Annapurna Singh mentioned the importance of CSIR-CFTRI technologies for enhancing value-added food products in the region. She noted key technologies developed by CSIR-CFTRI, like Amul milk powder, spice oils, and instant mixes. She further emphasised the importance of adopting indigenous technologies for rural development. She mentioned coconut-based technologies as a focus for discussion, given the region's coconut availability, and outlined various training programmes, incubation centres, and support initiatives by CSIR-CFTRI for rural capacity building.
Dr Kandimuthu welcomed dignitaries and introduced Padmashri Ms Panchimal Nariayal Amma and Smt. Meenamal, who work at the grassroots level in the Andaman & Nicobar regions.
Dr Ajit Kumar Shasney discussed the importance of technology and the event to the audience. He later highlighted the efforts of CSIR labs in translating rural technologies from lab to land. Specifically, Dr Kumar mentioned the impact of organic khaad and bacteria-based solutions developed by CSIR-NBRI, which could replace urea and pesticides in the Andaman & Nicobar region.
Dr PK Singh discussed the pan-India activities of UBA and collaborations with CSIR-NIScPR. He urged students interested in rural development to engage with UBA projects, which are offered twice a year. He also highlighted initiatives to promote faculty and student involvement in rural development.
Shri Sreepasad MK mentioned VIBHA, emphasising its role in improving rural livelihoods through 38 chapters across various Indian states. He further discussed the importance of the event and the unique opportunities it offers stakeholders.
Dr Yogesh Suman, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi, presented the activities undertaken for rural development through S&T interventions in the project ‘Creating livelihood opportunity through CSIR Technologies using UBA and VIBHA Network’. Dr Yogesh Suman also proposed the vote of thanks.
Ms Kamachi Chellammal, Andaman’s ‘Nariyal Amma’ and Padma Shri awardee, also participated in the event. The scientist visited their agricultural farms to map suitable technologies for their region. The programme was followed by various technical sessions discussing technologies from different CSIR labs.
