‘Smart clusters' for tuber crops on the anvil in four districts
Under this programme, cassava will be grown in Thiruvananthapuram district, elephant foot yam and yams in Kollam, sweet potato in Alappuzha district and arrowroot and minor tubers in Pathanamthitta district. The initiative will be undertaken under the leadership of one farmer producer company (FPC) each in the four districts, according to the CTCRI.
Detailed project reports and technological support will be provided by the CTCRI, the institute's director G. Byju said. Complete value chain will be established in those districts involving the FPCs. The action plan is based on a memorandum of understanding inked by the CTCRI and CISSA for strengthening 36 FPCs in the four southern districts under an initiative that places special emphasis on tuber crops.
Capacity building training in soil testing using the Pusa Soil Testing and Fertiliser Recommendation (STFR) meter, establishment of tuber crop nurseries and seed villages, production of different bioinputs and biocontrol agents as well as value addition of tuber crops also will be organised for the FPCs at the CTCRI as at the district level under the agreement.
A planning workshop held at the CTCRI this week chalked out a long-term action plan for equipping the 36 selected FPCs to strengthen the tuber crop value chain in the four districts. The 36 FPCs are promoted by the CISSA. As part of the MoU, the CTCRI will equip the FPCs with skills in value chain development, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing in the context of tuber crops.
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The Hindu
25-06-2025
- The Hindu
‘Smart clusters' for tuber crops on the anvil in four districts
The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), in collaboration with NGO Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA), will develop four 'smart clusters' for tuber crops in the State. Under this programme, cassava will be grown in Thiruvananthapuram district, elephant foot yam and yams in Kollam, sweet potato in Alappuzha district and arrowroot and minor tubers in Pathanamthitta district. The initiative will be undertaken under the leadership of one farmer producer company (FPC) each in the four districts, according to the CTCRI. Detailed project reports and technological support will be provided by the CTCRI, the institute's director G. Byju said. Complete value chain will be established in those districts involving the FPCs. The action plan is based on a memorandum of understanding inked by the CTCRI and CISSA for strengthening 36 FPCs in the four southern districts under an initiative that places special emphasis on tuber crops. Capacity building training in soil testing using the Pusa Soil Testing and Fertiliser Recommendation (STFR) meter, establishment of tuber crop nurseries and seed villages, production of different bioinputs and biocontrol agents as well as value addition of tuber crops also will be organised for the FPCs at the CTCRI as at the district level under the agreement. A planning workshop held at the CTCRI this week chalked out a long-term action plan for equipping the 36 selected FPCs to strengthen the tuber crop value chain in the four districts. The 36 FPCs are promoted by the CISSA. As part of the MoU, the CTCRI will equip the FPCs with skills in value chain development, processing, packaging, branding, and marketing in the context of tuber crops.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Time of India
Muradpur's Solar-Powered Lift Irrigation Scheme Promises Lifeline to Farmers
Nagpur: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated the Muradpur lift irrigation scheme powered by floating solar panels, calling it a 'boon for farmers' that will not only improve agriculture but also uplift rural livelihoods in the region. The scheme, implemented at the Vadgaon reservoir on the Vena River in Umred taluka, aims to provide year-round water supply to over 465 acres of farmland using solar energy. Floating solar panels installed in the Rama Dam reservoir will generate enough electricity to power the entire irrigation system, drastically cutting energy costs and enhancing sustainability. Speaking at the inauguration, Gadkari said, "Water is the most critical need for our farmers. Regular supply will not only help in agriculture but also resolve many village-level problems. This solar-powered lift irrigation scheme will enable farmers to take up two to three crops annually and increase their income." The project is particularly significant for the local population, 53% of whom belong to tribal communities. Gadkari noted the region's social, educational, and economic backwardness, stating that the govt is working with the spirit of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's Antyodaya philosophy to uplift the last person in society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The event was attended by MP Shyamkumar Barve, MLA Sanjay Meshram, former MLA Sudhir Parwe, local Sarpanch Durga Alam, Deputy Sarpanch Gajanan Gadge, and other dignitaries. Highlighting the scheme's technical details, officials explained that water from the Vadgaon dam is lifted using pumps and transported through MS pipelines to two delivery chambers. From there, 20 HP pumps distribute water to farmlands through drip irrigation. Floating solar panels with a 270 KVA capacity are expected to generate 1,080 units of electricity daily, sufficient to operate all project-related electrical systems without cost. Gadkari urged farmers to form Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to maximise the benefits of the scheme. "With modern practices like drone-based spraying and shared machinery, farmers can save Rs 5,000–Rs 6,000 per acre. Technology will boost both yield and profitability," he said. He also announced plans to build a 'Smart Village' nearby, spread over 10 acres with an investment of Rs 100 crore. The project will include 1,000 homes (450 sqft each), concrete roads, and assured lifelong water and electricity, along with a playground and garden. "Around 400 people have already registered for homes," he informed. With sustainable energy, efficient water management, and community-focused development, the Muradpur lift irrigation scheme is expected to set a benchmark in rural transformation through green technology. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- The Hindu
Now, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute to produce Chena Pradhaman Ada
The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) here at Sreekaryam has developed a technology for the production of ready-to-cook flakes from elephant foot yam (Chena) for making ada pradhaman. According to the CTCRI, ada pradhaman made using the flakes of elephant foot yam corms has higher nutritional value than the rice ada. The CTCRI has also licensed the process technology for the production of the shelf-stable, dehydrated Chena Pradhaman Ada. The new product is being commercially marketed by the Haritha Lakshmi Krishikoottam, a Kollam-based farmer group. The ada from the elephant foot yam is being sold under the Keralagro brand of the Agriculture department. Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar had formally launched it at a function last week. With 15-20% starch, 1.5 % dietary fibre, 1.5 to 3.2% protein, 12-14 mg/100 gram calcium, 1.2 mg/100 gram iron and high levels of phosphorus (49-60 mg), elephant foot yam corms are nutritionally better compared to tubers such as cassava, M.S. Sajeev, principal scientist and lead developer of the technology, said. Product diversification CTCRI director G. Byju said that the institute places emphasis on product diversification focussing on region-specific and popular tuber crops and niche markets.
