ICAR CTCRI Celebrates 61st Foundation Day in the Presence of the Hon'ble Governor of Kerala

On July 9th, 2024, the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) celebrated its 61st Foundation Day, graced by the esteemed presence of the Hon'ble Governor of Kerala, Mr. Arif Mohammed Khan.

ICAR-CTCRI is the world's sole research organization dedicated entirely to tropical tuber crops and is a vital constituent of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The institute has recently made significant strides in tuber crop research, greatly contributing to agricultural innovation and food security. These achievements underscore ICAR-CTCRI's commitment to pioneering agricultural research and innovation, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for farmers and the broader farming community.

In his address on the occasion, Governor Khan highlighted the evolution of tuber crops from being considered the "poor man’s food" to becoming an integral part of Indian cuisine, now featured even on five-star hotel menus. He commended ICAR-CTCRI for its relentless efforts in advancing tuber crop research and empowering farming communities across the country.

Governor Khan also recognized the exceptional contributions of ICAR-CTCRI's scientists, staff, and research scholars by presenting awards to the best performers. His acknowledgment of their dedication and hard work further emphasized the institute's role in pioneering agricultural innovation.

The event saw the presence of notable figures, including Dr. G Byju, Director of ICAR-CTCRI, and Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology. Their attendance highlighted the collaborative efforts and shared vision for advancing agricultural research.

On this occasion, Dr. Santhosh Mithra was awarded the Best Scientist Award for Technology Transfer of the E-Crop device for Smart Farming, licensed to M/s Tech Visit IT Pvt Ltd, Mumbai.

The celebration showcased ongoing advancements in tuber crop research, reiterating ICAR-CTCRI's commitment to agricultural innovation. Root and tuber crops, which include starchy roots, tubers, rhizomes, corms, and stems, are primarily used for human consumption, animal feed, and the production of starch, alcohol, and fermented beverages such as beer. The institute's research has played a crucial role in enhancing the productivity and utility of these crops, significantly contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability.

ICAR-CTCRI's achievements reflect its unwavering dedication to improving the agricultural sector and supporting farmers. As the only research organization in the world solely dedicated to tropical tuber crops, ICAR-CTCRI continues to lead the way in agricultural research and innovation, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for the farming community and the nation as a whole.