The ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, organised a one-day training programme on “scientific tuber crop cultivation” for the tribal farmers from Car Nicobar at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sippighat, South Andaman, Port Blair, on March 24, 2024.
Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Head, KVK, South Andaman, highlighted the scope of the marketing and value-addition opportunities in the tuber crops. He urged the farmers to utilise the improved technologies available with the Institute for incorporating successful tuber crop cultivation into island cropping and farming systems.Dr. I. Jaisankar, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair, briefed about the tuber crop diversity in the islands, unique collections made by the Institute, scientific cultivation practices, and the role of AICRP on tuber crops in conservation & utilisation of tuber genetic resources in ensuring food and livelihood security. Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, Nicobar, stressed the need for diversifying the island farming system with tuber crops that have the potential to enhance income and employment generation.The training was aimed at creating awareness about the scientific cultivation of tuber crops to enhance livelihood security. Small agricultural implements and tuber seed were also distributed. A total of 16 tribal farmers from Car Nicobar attended the program. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.