Training on tuber crop begins at CAU
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 08 2021: All India Coordinated Research Project-Tuber Crops in association with Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal inaugurated a two-day long state level training programme on 'Tuber Crops and deer crops in North Eastern Region' at the auditorium of College of Agriculture on Monday.

Presided over by College of Agriculture, CAU Dean Dr Indira Sarangthem; the inaugural function was attended by CAU vice chancellor Dr Anupam Mishra as chief guest, while CAU Research director Dr S Basanta and ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala director Dr MN Sheila were guests of honour.

In his speech, VC Dr Anupam Mishra informed that tuber crops are not only climate-resilient but a huge source of nutrition for the human body.

In addition to using tuber crops for food security, it is also organic and naturally bio-fortified.

Tuber crops can be provided as mid-day meal to school going children as well, he said, while adding that industry partners could be consulted for making value added products of the same.

Speaking at the programme, All India Coordinated Research Project-Tuber Crops principal investigator Dr AK Bijaya recounted that the research project on tuber crops first began in 2006.For this purpose, the germa-plasmas of cassava (u-mangra) were produced and a new variety of cassava called CAU U-Mangra 1 was created.

Dr Bijaya continued that terrace farming of tuber crops have been set up in six places in the hill and the valley of Manipur.

Additionally, efforts are being taken up to set up a tuber-crop only park in CAU.

Different entrepreneurs of the state are being consulted for production and value addition of various types of cassava and other tuber crops.

As part of the programme, different types of cassava, colocasia (Singju Paan), taro (Paan), etc., from different districts of the state were put up for display.

Later, farm equipment were distributed to the trainees, which was followed by the release of three books on tuber crop farming and value addition process .

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