NICRA Project

The National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), initiated by ICAR in 2011, aims to bolster agricultural resilience through climate-smart technologies, resource conservation and capacity building. Since 2021-22, KVK-Lakshadweep has implemented NICRA on Kadmat Island, promoting stress-resilient horticulture, coastal-adapted cashew plantations and establishing a Custom Hiring Centre (CHC). In 2025-26, interventions will expand with emphasis on green manuring, microbial consortia, coir pith application, integrated coconut-based intercropping (cassava, turmeric, ginger and salt-tolerant banana), precision irrigation and pest management. These efforts collectively aim to enhance adaptive capacity, optimize productivity and ensure sustainable livelihoods in the fragile island agro-ecosystem.