POLICY BRIEF-STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS IN ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR & LAKSHADWEEP GROUPS OF ISLANDS

Abstract

Agriculture, livestock and fisheries sector plays crucial role in transforming and developing economies along with their contributory role in food security to the rural populations of the developing countries. They also face critical issues concerning climate change, anthropogenic interventions, unsustainable development practices and lack of innovative approaches. In India agriculture sector is considered to be the backbone along with livestock and fisheries with millions of stakeholders dependent. Particularly, Island groups such as Andaman, Nicobar and Lakshadweep are unique biodiversity hotspots. Owing to very unique ecosystems, these islands gain more attention as customary tourism hotspot. Rising tourism increases the exposure of these islands, demanding more production from agriculture and allied sectors. Tourism sector is mostly concentrated on coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems which harbors more than 80% of the fish diversity and are also more affected by extreme events. More importantly these islands are also considered to be free from several deadly diseases in livestock and fisheries sectors. The challenging scenario emerged due to climate change, increasing tourism, reduced land availability and anthropogenic developments are to be dealt with precautionary approaches. Although specific requirements may vary from Island to Island, this policy brief addresses the overall issues, challenges and need for innovative approaches in the most fragile tropical Islands of India towards ensuring sustainable agriculture and allied sector development for the benefit of Island communities.