A three-day stakeholders' meet was successfully held in Port Blair from March 11-13, 2025, to disseminate CSIR technologies aimed at fostering sustainable development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event focused on addressing regional challenges in agriculture, fisheries, water resources, and other key sectors by introducing innovative CSIR-developed solutions.
It was jointly organized by the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) - National Coordinating Institute, IIT Delhi, Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM).
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands possess immense potential for sustainable development, yet their progress is often hindered by limited infrastructure and inadequate access to modern technologies. The event provided a crucial platform for scientists, researchers, policymakers, and local stakeholders to engage in discussions about technology-driven solutions tailored to the region's unique socio-economic and ecological landscape. The focus was on CSIR technologies in areas such as floriculture, the Aroma Mission, food processing, solar drying, beekeeping, and water desalination.
The meet was inaugurated by prominent dignitaries, including Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director CSIR-NIScPR; Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director CSIR-CFTRI; and Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director CSIR-NBRI. Chief Guest Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, and Guest of Honor Dr. Eknath B. Chakurkar, Director ICAR-CIARI, also graced the occasion. Their insights highlighted the significance of leveraging scientific advancements to boost economic opportunities in the region. The event witnessed participation from representatives of NABARD, scientists from multiple CSIR institutions, and over 150 stakeholders, including members of self-help groups (SHGs).
Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal emphasized the importance of CSIR interventions in harnessing the region’s potential and applauded the active participation of women in the event. She highlighted CSIR’s role in providing scientific and technological solutions for rural capacity building.
Pallavi Sarkar, IAS, stressed the need for active stakeholder engagement and the translation of natural resources into value-added products for global markets. She advocated for mapping and cataloging technologies suited to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, integrating scientific innovation with traditional knowledge to develop high-value products.
Dr. Eknath B. Chakurkar underscored the need for collaboration between scientific research institutions and local communities. He elaborated on secondary agriculture opportunities, such as value-added products from coconut, beekeeping, and sea-based resources.
Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh of CSIR-CFTRI highlighted technologies beneficial for rural development, including coconut-based innovations and food processing techniques. She also outlined training programs and incubation support available for rural entrepreneurs.
Technical sessions provided deeper insights into the practical applications of CSIR technologies. Experts from CSIR-CFTRI, CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-CIMAP, and CSIR-IICT led discussions on food processing, floriculture, aroma mission, beekeeping, and water desalination.
Representatives from NABARD also outlined funding opportunities available for entrepreneurial ventures in the Andaman region. Field visits facilitated direct engagement with local farmers and SHGs, allowing scientists to assess the feasibility of technology integration.
