Port Blair, Feb 8: The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands organized the “Tuber Crops Diversity Fair” at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sippighat, South Andaman, Port Blair here today.

Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Head, KVK, South Andaman, highlighted the scope of the marketing and value-addition opportunities in the Tuber Crops. Dr. Y. Ramakrishna urged the farmers for utilizing the improved technologies available with the Institute and the All India Coordinated Research Project on Tuber Crops for incorporating the successful Tuber Crops cultivation in island cropping / farming systems.

Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair briefed about the Tuber Crop diversity in the islands including the different species, unique collections made by the Institute, role of AICRP on Tuber Crops in conservation & utilization of Tuber Genetic Resources and their climate-resilience status of Tuber Crops in ensuring the food and livelihood security in the remote places, etc. Dr. T. Subramani, Senior Scientist & Head, NRM Division ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair stressed on the need for diversifying the island farming system with the Tuber Crops that has the to enhance the income and employment generation.

The Fair was aimed to enhance the awareness on the Tuber Crops’ Wealth of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and sensitize the farmers on the potentials of the Tropical Tubers in enhancing the livelihood security under the All India Coordinated Project on Tuber Crops with the collaboration of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Andaman. The entire programme was coordinated by Dr. Pooja Kapoor and Shri. Thanmai Paul, KVK, South Andaman.

The Fair registered participation by about 46 Farmers from South Andaman and 35 All India Radio officials from various state of India. This Tuber Crops Diversity Fair will continue till 09.02.2024 for the benefit of the interested farmers. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.