Tuber Crops Seed Village a programme which seeks to ensure availability of good quality planting material of tropical tuber was inaugurated in Kalanjoor village panchayat of Pathanamthitta district as a part of the Scheduled Caste sub-plan under the auspices of ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram. The program jointly organized by ICAR – CTCRI and State Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ welfare was held on June 19 at KVMS Hall, Kalanjoor. Kalanjoor Panchayat President Mrs. T.V. Pushapavalli inaugurated the program. Dr. G. Byju, ICAR-CTCRI Director, delivered the presidential address which highlighted the research accomplishments of the prestigious national institute and its significance to the betterment of the farming community. Dr. K. Sunil Kumar, the programme coordinator and Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI, explained the Decentralized Seed Multiplier (DSM) and Tuber crops seed village program.
This project aims to address the shortage of quality planting material by multiplying the planting material of tropical tuber in the respective villages and make the surplus available to other farmers. CTCRI also aims to procure planting materials from farmers who are growing it scientifically and will recognize them as Decentralized Seed suppliers. During the programme, planting materials of improved tuber crop varieties as well as inputs like micronutrient solution (Micronol), seedling portrays etc. were distributed to the farmers. Mr. Joggy Mariam George (Deputy Director of Agriculture), Mr. Roshan George (Assistant Director of Agriculture), Mrs. Maniamma (Vice President of Block Panchayat) and Mrs. Rama Suresh (Ward Member) extended their greetings. Members Mr. Soman, Mrs. Bindu, Mrs. Bindu Reji, Mrs. Prasannakumari and Mr. Shaji Alexander also spoke during the occasion. As part of the event scientists from ICAR-CTCRI, Dr. M.S Sajeev (Value Addition and Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Tuber crops), Dr. C. Mohan (Improved Varieties of Tuber Crops) and Dr. E.R. Harish (Integrated Management of Pest and Disease in Tuber Crops) led training sessions to the farmers. Mr. C. Shelly Kalanjoor Agriculture Officer welcomed the gathering and Dr. E.R. Harish from CTCRI delivered vote of thanks. CTCRI senior technicians D.T.Rejin and B.Satheesan also participated in the programme.
Read more: https://www.ctcri.org/events.html#tcsv
