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Key Points

Lakshadweep's Krishi Vigyan Kendra has been awarded the prestigious Best KVK-National Award for its remarkable contribution to agricultural extension. Under the guidance of Dr P N Ananth, the KVK's work led to Lakshadweep being declared a fully organic territory in 2021. The promotion of organic farming, seaweed cultivation, and the introduction of sustainable technologies like CMFRI's cage culture have transformed the region's agricultural landscape. These initiatives have not only uplifted the community's living standards but also secured national recognition.

Key Points: Lakshadweep KVK Wins Best KVK-National Award for Agri Excellence

  • Lakshadweep declared fully organic in 2021
  • Extensive agricultural extension activities led by Dr P N Ananth
  • Pioneering seaweed cultivation and organic farming initiatives
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CMFRI's Lakshadweep KVK selected as National Best for excellence in agri extension

CMFRI's Lakshadweep KVK lauded for making Lakshadweep organic, securing Best KVK-National Award.

"Lakshadweep's declaration as fully organic was pivotal in securing recognition. - Dr P N Ananth"

Kochi, June 3

Lakshadweep Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has been selected for the Best KVK-National Award by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi and Dhanuka for excellence in agricultural extension.

Among a range of works for the development of agriculture and allied sectors in the region, the KVK’s pioneering efforts that led to declaring Lakshadweep an organic territory were pivotal in securing this national recognition.

The Kendra was instrumental in registering an impressive 7591 active farmers across 10 islands of Lakshadweep, adopting organic farming practices.

Following such initiatives with the support of the Department of Agriculture, UT Administration of Lakshadweep, the archipelago was declared a fully organic territory by the Union Government in 2021.

Promotion of seaweed cultivation across different islands through popularisation of CMFRI’s indigenous technology in the area also played a crucial role in winning the award.

A slew of extension activities in the area of coconut development, fisheries and aquaculture, under the leadership of Dr P N Ananth, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK-Lakshadweep, were critical in uplifting the living standard of the Islanders, thereby contributing substantially to bagging this award.

Through extensive skill development programmes, Lakshadweep KVK’s 'Friends of Coconut’ initiative created employment opportunities for 100 rural individuals.

Establishment of a marine ornamental fish hatchery at Kavaratti helped foster sustainable aquaculture in the region, providing new livelihood avenues.

Efforts for widespread adoption of CMFRI’s cage culture technology were critical in diversifying livelihood options among the fishing community.

Vegetable and fruit cultivation were promoted, covering about 2,000 households every year with the support of CMFRI’s Tribal Sub Plan scheme.

KVK introduced Barn Owls as a biological control method to combat rodent damage, which accounts for 40-50 per cent yield loss in coconuts across the islands.

The Kendra also set up an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) at Kavaratti, offering crucial meteorological data to farmers, contributing to more informed agricultural planning and disaster preparedness.

Several flagship programmes are underway in tandem with the Department of Agriculture.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news! Lakshadweep becoming fully organic is a proud moment for India. We need more such initiatives across our coastal regions. The seaweed cultivation and marine ornamental fish hatchery sound particularly innovative. Kudos to the KVK team! 🌱🐟
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Priya M.
The 'Friends of Coconut' initiative creating jobs for 100 people is heartwarming. Shows how agricultural research can directly impact livelihoods. Hope other KVKs take inspiration from this model. Though I wonder - are they planning to scale up these programs?
A
Arjun S.
Using barn owls for pest control is brilliant! Traditional wisdom meets modern science. This is exactly the kind of sustainable agriculture we need more of in India. The weather station addition is also smart - climate change makes such data crucial for farmers.
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Sunita R.
As someone from Kerala, I'm happy to see our neighboring islands developing so well. The organic certification will boost tourism too. But I hope they maintain strict quality checks - sometimes organic labels are misused elsewhere in India. Overall great work!
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Vikram J.
The cage culture technology mentioned here could be game-changing for our entire coastal economy. Hope CMFRI extends similar projects to other islands and coastal states. India's blue economy has so much untapped potential!
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Meena L.
While I appreciate the achievements, I'm concerned about whether these programs are reaching all islanders equally. Sometimes remote islands get left out in such schemes. Would love to see data on participation from smaller, less accessible islands of Lakshadweep.

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