Kanubari, Feb 21: In a landmark initiative for state’s agricultural sector, the horticulture department of Longding district, in collaboration with the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, on Friday conducted an extensive training program on tuber crops.
The event, held under the MIDH 2024-25 scheme, witnessed participation from over 400 farmers across the district.
State agriculture and allied minister, Gabriel D Wangsu, hailed the event as a ‘historic day’ for Longding and the state.
He shared that his visit to ICAR-CTCRI in December led to this collaboration, which will be expanded to other regions of the state. He assured full government support for future training programs and agricultural initiatives.
A distinguished team of scientists from ICAR-CTCRI, including director Dr G Biju, Principal Scientist Dr R Muthuraj, Senior Scientist Dr D Jaganathan, and Scientist Dr P Prakash, conducted detailed sessions on advanced tuber crop technologies.
Farmers received training on pre- and post-harvest management, integrated pest control, and bio-products from cassava, sweet potato, and yams.
Dr Biju underscored the importance of tuber crops in combating global warming, calling them ‘future smart crops.’ He lauded Minister Wangsu’s personal efforts in facilitating the collaboration and assured continued ICAR-CTCRI support.
Kanubari ADC Kunal Yadav praised the overwhelming farmer participation, describing it as a small but significant step toward agricultural transformation.
Earlier in the day, the minister attended the fifth Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, chaired by Dr Lobsang Wangchu, Head of ICAR-RC for NEH Region. The minister raised concerns over declining agricultural productivity and Mithun populations in the state, stressing the need for better coordination between departments and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
During the meeting, Wangsu announced key agricultural initiatives, including edible oil production in Kanubari, revival of unused departmental lands, and improvements in breed seed and feed supply.
He also revealed that the state would soon release a comprehensive Agriculture and Horticulture policy.
Dr Utpal Kumar Bhattacharya, Senior Scientist-Cum-Head, ICAR-KVK Longding, presented a status report on ongoing projects.
“Farming is a serious business that requires dedication,” said Wangsu, calling for the identification of progressive farmers and the supply of quality seeds and saplings through government nurseries.
He stressed the importance of developing region-specific agricultural strategies and assured his commitment to addressing implementation challenges.