KANUBARI, SEP 16:
A training programme on “Improved Production Technologies of Tuber Crops” was organised by ICAR-KVK Longding, Kanubari, in collaboration with ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, on Wednesday.
The programme was attended by 59 members of self-help groups (SHGs) and women farmers. Kanubari ADC Pebika Lego was the chief guest, while ICAR-CTCRI Principal Scientist Dr V.S. Santhosh Mithra and Senior Scientist Dr R. Arutselvan were the resource persons. ArSRLM Kanubari Block Mission Manager Jonjing Wangjen attended as guest of honour.
ICAR-KVK Longding Senior Scientist-cum-Head Dr Utpal Kumar Bhattacharyya welcomed the participants and highlighted the objectives of the programme. He encouraged farmers to adopt improved technologies to enhance production and income and expressed gratitude to ICAR-CTCRI Director Dr G. Byju for supporting the training initiative.
Addressing the participants, ADC Pebika Lego stressed the importance of processing and value addition of tapioca and sweet potato, which are produced in large quantities in Longding district. She urged farmers to make effective use of technologies developed by ICAR-CTCRI for improved production, processing and value addition of tuber crops.
During the technical session, Dr Santhosh Mithra explained improved production technologies for tapioca, sweet potato and elephant foot yam, besides highlighting the benefits of improved varieties and appropriate nutrient management. He also discussed processing and value-addition opportunities to improve returns to farmers.
Dr Arutselvan spoke on major insect pests and diseases affecting tropical tuber crops, including tapioca, sweet potato, taro and elephant foot yam. He stressed the use of improved pest- and disease-resistant varieties and encouraged farmers to explore locally prepared bio-pesticides using plants with insecticidal properties.
During the interaction session, CTO (Agronomy) A. Kirankumar Singh explained the use of locally available herbs in preparing bio-pesticides and discussed formulations such as Beejamrit, Jeevamrit, Ghanajeevamrit, Neemastra, Agniastra, Brahmastra and Dashparni Ark.
The programme also included interaction with technical experts Vikas, SMS (Vegetable Science), Dr Amit Kumar, SMS (Land and Water Management Engineering), and Dr Deep Narayan Mishra, SMS (Plant Protection).
At the conclusion, ADC Pebika Lego distributed khurpas, trowels and vegetable seeds for the ensuing season to the participating farmers.
