Port Blair, Nov. 25: The Department of Home Science, JNRM, in association with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Andaman and Nicobar Islands organised a National Seminar on ‘Agricultural Transformation and Rural Development in India with special reference to Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Issues, Challenges and Possibilities’ today. 

In his inaugural address, the chief guest, Dr. R.S.C. Jayaraj, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) A&N Islands spoke on Andaman diversity which is eminently suitable for horticulture- especially with coconuts. The Islands come within the area of natural distribution of coconuts, with a large amount of genetic variation. This provides scope for breeding for productivity, pest tolerance, disease resistance and a host of desirable traits.  

Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Department of Environment and Forests, A & N Administration spoke on the Island ecosystem and its comparative nature with the mainland.

The guest of honour, Shri H.Manoj, General Manager, NABARD informed the gathering about activities of NABARD. Dr.K.S.Pushpa, Professor & Head, Department of Home Science, Gandhigram Rural Institute dwelt in detail about the livelihood development of women through rural farm based activities while Dr. S.Kavitha Maithily, Associate Professor, Department of Home Science, Gandhigram Rural Institute spoke on the rural development and agriculture transformation through integrating the technologies.

Dr. H.K.Sharma, Principal, JNRM spoke on the importance of technology on improving the livelihood based on agriculture while Dr. K.Venkatesan, HOD, Home Science and Convener of the programme spoke on the role of Home Science Extension Activities for promoting entrepreneurial development.