Nimbudera, Nov. 4: A three-day training program on “Organic Tuber Crops Cultivation and Value Addition for Sustainability” was organized by ICAR-KVK, North & Middle Andaman, in collaboration with AICRP-Tuber Crops, CIARI, Sri Vijayapuram, from October 21st to 23rd, 2024, at Shantipur Community Hall, Swadesh Nagar Gram Panchayat. The event was inaugurated by Shri Debbrata Das, Pradhan of Swadesh Nagar Gram Panchayat, in the presence of Up-Pradhan Shri Anil Baroi.

During the inaugural session, the Pradhan and Up-Pradhan encouraged farmers and farm women to strengthen their collaboration with agricultural institutions like CIARI and its KVK, while motivating Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to engage in activities such as food processing, packaging, and marketing of value-added products from tuber crops. They emphasized that these initiatives could open new revenue streams and enhance the economic development of the local community.

In the technical session, Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK N&M Andaman, discussed the importance of the organic cultivation of tuber crops under plantation crops. He highlighted that tuber crops such as cassava, sweet potato, colocasia, elephant foot yam, and greater and lesser yams offer excellent opportunities for farmers to generate income, given their adaptability to local growing conditions and the increasing demand for organic produce. He elaborated on both major tuber crops, like sweet potato, cassava, and taro, and minor crops, like yam and arrowroot, noting their potential in Island agriculture due to their resilience and market viability.

Mr. Rakesh Dawar, SMS (Agronomy), educated farmers on suitable agronomic practices to enhance tuber yield in organic farming systems. He also discussed the role of organic waste management in producing organic fertilizers and pesticides, which can improve soil health and reduce dependency on chemical inputs.

Mr. Yatharth Sharma, SMS (Home Science), shared innovative methods for enhancing the value of tuber crops, providing examples such as producing chips, flours, and starch. He also introduced novel ideas for SHG members and women to explore, such as creating “Gulab Jamun Mix” from sweet potatoes and carbohydrate-rich weaning foods for infants. These initiatives not only offer income-generation opportunities but also promote the use of tubers in unique, marketable products. He emphasized the rich nutritional profile of tubers, which are packed with dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a vital component of a balanced diet.

Mr. Subam Debroy, SMS (Aquaculture), emphasized the significance of tuber crops as a source of feed for cattle and fish, enhancing both the sustainability and profitability of integrated farming systems.

Earlier, Shri Yatharth Sharma welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the training program. The program was organized under the overall guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijayapuram, and coordinated by Dr. I. Jaisankar, Sr. Scientist and PI-AICRP-TC. About 33 farmers and farm women participated and benefited from the training.