About ICAR-CTCRI
The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), a constituent institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research was established in 1963 and has a Regional Station at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. All India Coordinated Research Project on Tuber Crops (AICRP-TC) functioning at CTCRI headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala takes care of the research, development and extension of tropical tuber crops of the 18 States and one Union Territory (Andaman and Nicobar islands) of India. CTCRI is the only research organization in the world dedicated solely to research on tropical tuber crops, which includes major tuber crops like cassava, sweet potato, yams, aroids (elephant foot yam, taro and tannia) and minor tuber crops like Chinese potato, arrowroot and yam bean. These crops constitute one of the most important staple foods for the people in the developing world besides their versatile uses in feed and industrial sectors. This year, the Institute is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee and 60 years of concerted research have led to the development of several sustainable production, protection and processing technologies for these crops, besides the release of 71 improved varieties. The agri-business incubator and techno-incubation center at headquarters and regional station are involved in promoting entrepreneurship among the farmers and other stakeholders.
Background
Tropical tuber crops had been the major source of food for mankind right from the prehistoric era. At present they hold the third position as staple food, especially for the millions in tropical and subtropical regions. Their ability to thrive and yield reasonably well under changing climatic conditions makes them fit for the title, ‘Future crops’. Versatility of these crops in adapting to varying soil, climate and other edaphic conditions for production and productivity are unique when compared to cereals and pulses. There is a notable shift in the status of cassava and sweet potato from food crop to an industrial crop. The importance of elephant foot yam has also been on rise. Other tuber crops are still cultivated without much attention in many parts of our country. There are many other minor tuber crops which have ethnic importance, especially in the tribal belts as food, feed and medicinal crop.
Objectives
The main objectives are
1.To impart knowledge on good agronomic practices of tropical tuber crops
2.To update the stakeholders with the latest advances on production technologies
3.To equip them with the precision and climate smart practices to enhance the productivity, income and employment opportunities from tuber crops in climate changing scenario
4.To serve as a common platform to the participants for interaction and exchange of experiences as well as to develop inter-institutional linkages on the subject.
Course content
Good agronomic practices viz., selection of site, land preparation, selection of planting materials, planting methods, crop management up to harvesting
Quality planting material production including minisett and microsetts.
Soil management, nutrient management including site specific nutrient management, fertigation, organic farming, precision management, nutrient disorders, water and weed management.
Copping and farming systems, integrated farming systems, natural farming, high tech cultivation, packages for urban and peri-urban farming.
Pre and post harvest management and storage of tubers.
Field visits and practical classes on various aspects.
Exposure visit to progressive farmers fields to have face to face interactions and first hand information.
Eligibility
Entry and medium level researchers, agricultural officers, subject matter specialists, technical staff, extension specialists of the ICAR Institutes/State and Central Agricultural Universities/ Deemed to be Universities/Colleges affiliated to general Universities/ Agriculture/Horticulture departments, KVKS, or students, progressive farmers and prospective entrepreneurs.
Read more: https://www.ctcri.org/focus/CTCRI_GAP_Tuber_Crops_Training_08-12_January_2024.pdf
Original link: https://www.ctcri.org
