Farmer's Benefits from High-Yielding Tuber Crop in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi

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  • A recent stakeholders’ interface programme on ‘Improved technologies of tuber crops for sustainable income’ was organised at Ambasamudram by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Tuber Crop Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram. The programme aimed to benefit horticultural farmers, particularly those involved in the cultivation of Chinese potato, elephant foot yam, taro, and cassava in the Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts.

    • Introduction to Improved Tuber Crop Varieties

    Deputy Director of Horticulture, Elangovan, inaugurated the interface, explaining the technological interventions by ICAR-CTCRI for the development of major tuber crops. The primary focus was on high-yielding varieties that have significantly increased farmers’ income and encouraged the expansion of cultivated areas under these improved varieties.

  • High-Yielding Varieties: A Boon for Farmers

    Elangovan highlighted the yield improvements with CTCRI’s varieties:

    • ● Chinese Potato: Sree Dhara
    • ● Elephant Foot Yam: Sree Padma and Gajendra
    • ● Cassava: Sree Jaya, Sree Vijaya, Sree Pavithra, and Sree Reksha

    These improved varieties have doubled farmers’ income, showcasing the potential for economic growth and sustainability in the horticultural sector.

  • Technological Interventions and Innovations

    ICAR-CTCRI has developed various technological solutions and critical inputs to support farmers in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts. One notable innovation is the Micronol formulation, designed to enhance the growth and yield of tuber crops. Additionally, specialized equipment like the Chinese potato grader has been introduced to improve efficiency and productivity in tuber crop farming.

  • Contributions to Tuber Crop Development

    Director of ICAR-CTCRI, G. Byju, presided over the event, emphasizing the institute’s contributions through seed villages and demonstration plots. These initiatives have played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about improved varieties, technologies, and machinery to farmers across Tamil Nadu.

    • ● Micronol for Taro: This formulation is currently being validated on-farm in twelve taro fields in Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts.
    • ● Upcoming Innovations: ICAR-CTCRI is developing a Chinese potato harvester, cassava stem cutter, and peeler for tuber crops, which will be demonstrated to farmers shortly.

  • Engagement with Farmers

    Principal Scientist, Muthuraj, Senior Scientist, D. Jaganathan, and Senior Technician, D. T. Rejin, along with other experts, addressed the 30 progressive farmers who participated in the interface. They discussed the prospects and challenges in tuber crop farming, aiming to formulate future action plans that would further benefit the farmers.

    Formulating Future Action Plans

    The interface programme also served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss and address various challenges faced by farmers in tuber crop cultivation. This collaborative approach aims to develop effective strategies that ensure sustainable income and long-term growth for farmers in the region.

    The Impact of High-Yielding Varieties

    The introduction of high-yielding varieties of Chinese potato, elephant foot yam, and cassava has had a transformative impact on the farming community. By adopting these improved varieties, farmers have experienced a significant increase in yield and income, contributing to their overall well-being and economic stability.

    Economic Benefits

    • ● Increased Income: The improved varieties have doubled the income of farmers, providing them with better financial security.
    • ● Area Expansion: The success of these varieties has encouraged farmers to expand their cultivated areas, leading to increased production and supply of tuber crops.

    Sustainable Farming Practices

    • ● Efficient Use of Resources: The technological interventions and innovations by ICAR-CTCRI have enabled farmers to use resources more efficiently, reducing wastage and improving productivity.
    • ● Enhanced Crop Management: The development and distribution of critical inputs like Micronol have improved crop management practices, leading to better growth and yield of tuber crops.

    Future Prospects and Challenges

    While the introduction of high-yielding varieties and technological innovations has brought numerous benefits, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The stakeholders’ interface programme provided a platform to discuss these issues and develop actionable plans for the future.

    Addressing Challenges

    • ● Pest and Disease Management: Farmers need support in managing pests and diseases that affect tuber crops. Research and development of resistant varieties and effective pest control measures are essential.
    • ● Market Access: Ensuring that farmers have access to markets where they can sell their produce at fair prices is crucial for their economic sustainability.
    • ● Training and Education: Continuous training and education programmes for farmers on the latest technologies and best practices are necessary to ensure the successful adoption of improved varieties and techniques.

    Looking Ahead

    The future of tuber crop farming looks promising with the ongoing efforts by ICAR-CTCRI and other stakeholders. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the benefits of high-yielding varieties and technological innovations, farmers can achieve sustainable income and long-term growth.

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