Port Blair, Feb. 21: The Out Reach Centre (ORC) of CARI supported by NABARD conducted training on "Enterprise Development" from 19th - 21st Feb. 2013 at Diglipur in association with West Bengal Voluntary Health Association (WBVHA) for a batch of 23 (19 Male and 4 Female) trainees belonging to Baratang, Rangat and Diglipur.

The training programme was inaugurated by Shri. Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Director (ATMA), the Chief Guest on 19th Feb.2013, wherein he appreciated the joint efforts of the Institute and the NGO's in conducting such beneficial programme for the youth and other stakeholders. He also spoke about the various schemes offered by the Agricultural department for Enterprise Development in agriculture, cash loan cum subsidy and cash subsidy, wherein farm equipments can be purchased at subsidized rates.  He also dwelt at length on cultivation of spices, floriculture, Mushroom production, marketing of the produce, high yielding varieties and functioning of kisan call centre for the benefit of the farmers.

In the afternoon field visit was conducted to show the technological demonstration undertaken under the guidance of ORC. The trainees interacted with the adopted farmers to learn and share the experiences in taking up the livelihood enterprise.

On the second day forenoon the trainees were given field level orientation by conducting field visit to Shri. Alok Biswas progressive farmer of Madhupur village, wherein the trainee turned trainer explained about the Broad Bed and Furrow System - for effective utilization of low lying land, Bee keeping, Induced breeding in fresh water fishes and  operation of drip irrigation system followed by visit to Mini Dal mill operated by the Sagar Self Help Group for livelihood support set up with support of ORC and CARI.

The trainees were also exposed to oyster Mushroom cultivation technique at Durgapur village conducted by Dept. of Agriculture, followed by exposure visit to agriculture farm at Keralapuram. There were briefed on the use of weed mat, cultivation of Pepper - using crossed bamboo technique and vermicompost making.

On the third day forenoon, Shri Prafulla Kumar Roy, Branch Manager, Cooperative Bank of Aerial Bay explained about the various loans facilitated for taking enterprises in Agriculture. He also informed about the formation JLG, SHG for availing loan facilities for enterprise development.

Dr. Naveen SVO, of Dept. of AH & VS at Diglipur gave hands on session on goat, pig, poultry, duck and quail farming for taking up as enterprise by the trainees. 

On the concluding day the trainees expressed their happiness to Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director CARI for conduct of such field oriented training programme, which was executed by ORC under the guidance of Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Sr. Scientist & Coordinator.