Shillong, Nov 25: Farmers cultivating tuber crops in Meghalaya have reason to be optimistic, as the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) has rolled out ambitious plans to establish seed villages for improved tuber crop varieties and organize future capacity-building programmes focused on value addition.
During a one-day training programme held at Lower Damalgre village, South West Garo Hills, in collaboration with the Incubation Centre, NEHU Tura Campus, the focus was on empowering tribal farmers, especially women, through advanced farming techniques and entrepreneurial strategies.
Cassava planting materials, value-added products, training manuals, and farm implements were distributed, marking a tangible step toward enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer incomes. The training included expert insights from Dr. R. Muthuraj, Dr. D. Jaganathan, and Dr. P. Prakash of ICAR-CTCRI, covering improved tuber varieties, cultivation practices, and processing technologies.
Shri Malay Sagar Jha, Divisional Forest Officer, West Garo Hills, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the critical role of such initiatives in strengthening food and nutritional security while uplifting rural communities. He commended ICAR-CTCRI’s commitment to equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainable growth.
Dr. R. Sasikumar of NEHU Tura highlighted the potential of entrepreneurship in transforming tuber farming into a profitable venture, reinforcing the importance of linking agricultural development with economic empowerment.
With active participation from 115 attendees, including farmers, entrepreneurs, and officials, the programme spotlighted tuber crops as a promising means of sustainable livelihood development in Meghalaya.
As a premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CTCRI, headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, continues to lead innovations in tuber crop research, aiming to unlock new opportunities for farmers across the country.
The event’s success heralds a new chapter for Meghalaya’s farming community, with tuber crops poised to become a cornerstone of rural economic resilience and food security.
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