ICAR-CTCRI Celebrated Foundation Day

ICAR- Central tuber Crops Research Institute celebrated its 58th foundation day on 23rd July 2021. The function was organized in hybrid mode by following Covid protocol. Shri.P.Prasad, Hon. Minister for Agriculture and Farmer’s welfare, Government of Kerala, inaugurated the function by watering an elephant foot yam plant. In his inaugural address the Hon. Minister reiterated that ‘A hike in agricultural production should not be a crisis to farmer, but there should be more utilization by value addition, enhanced storability and storage facility, and also a means to link the farmer with the market, not only national but also international.’ Minister also emphasized that India is looked up on by the multi nationals as agriculture friendly climate prevails here, all around the year, and scientists should put effort to prevent the agricultural sector from falling in to the hands of multinationals. The meeting was presided over by Dr. M.N. Sheela, Director(A), ICAR Central Tuber Crops Research Institute. During the function MoA for the commercialization of CTCRI technologies were handed over to the investors by the Hon minister in presence of the inventors. Awards for the best employees of ICAR-CTCRI as well as for the Farmers were distributed by Hon. Minister. He also released eight publications of ICAR-CTCRI. Other Six farmers from different parts of the country were felicitated in online mode. Dr. AK Singh DDG (Horticultural Science), ICAR, New Delhi delivered the keynote address. He stated that new varieties should be developed to satisfy future market needs as well as to increase profit. In case of tuber crops, target should be to substitute importing industrial starch by developing new varieties with enhanced starch production. Dr. Sheela Immanuel, Head, Section of Extension and Social Sciences, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Vikramadithya pande ADG(Horticultural Science), ICAR New Delhi and Smt. Bindu S.R., ward councilor, Cheruvikkal, gave special addresses. Prof.K.P. Sudhir, Executive Vice President, Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment, Thiruvananthapuram and Principal Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of Kerala delivered the foundation day lecture on the topic “Adaptation for Sustainable Water Management”. About 105 and 40 people participated in online and offline modes respectively. Dr. G. Byju Head (A), Crop Production Division proposed the vote of thanks.