ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

CTCRI PARTNERS WITH OPEN JAIL FOR HORTICULTURE THERAPY INITIATIVE

CTCRI has collaborated with the Open Jail and Correctional Home, Nettukaltheri, to launch a horticulture therapy programme aimed at inmate rehabilitation and skill development.

The initiative focuses on cultivating tuber crops and promoting therapeutic gardening as a means to enhance mental well-being, productivity, and reintegration prospects of inmates. The programme was inaugurated by DGP Shri Balram Kumar Upadhyaya IPS, highlighting the role of agriculture in social transformation.

Dr. G. Suja took a class to the inmates and staff on Tuber Crops Production.

CTCRI will provide technical guidance, planting materials, and skill development support, while inmates will actively engage in cultivation practices. The project is expected to serve as a model for integrating agriculture-based therapy in correctional institutions across the state.

CTCRI Develops Electronic Starch Indicator for Onsite Cassava Starch Estimation

A long-pending demand of cassava farmers for a simple and reliable onsite method to estimate starch content in fresh tuber has been addressed by the ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, with the development of an electronic starch indicator.

The device enables farmers and stakeholders to determine starch content quickly and accurately through a two-step process—measuring the weight of about 3–5 kg of cassava tubers first in air and then in water. The system then directly displays the starch percentage.

The meter developed with the support of a Kochi-based company, EMCON industries, is an innovation which simplifies starch estimation while improving accuracy and transparency.

At present, the Reimann balance, a hydrostatic method widely used in cassava-growing regions such as Salem (Tamil Nadu), is commonly employed for starch estimation of fresh tubers. However, farmers have expressed concerns regarding possible misuse, which may lead to undervaluation of produce, as cassava prices in these regions are often determined based on starch content and tuber weight.

The newly developed electronic indicator is expected to enhance fair pricing, transparency, and farmer confidence and the institute plans to transfer the technology for commercial production, making the device widely accessible to farmers, traders, and processing industries.

N. JEHANGIR, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NeST GROUP, VISITS ICAR-CTCRI

Mr. N. Jehangir, Chairman and Managing Director of NeST Group, visited ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, to explore avenues for collaboration in technology transfer and the development of biofortified sweet potato-based food systems.

During the interaction, both sides held fruitful discussions on leveraging CTCRI’s research expertise and NeST Group’s technological capabilities for scaling up innovative solutions. It was mutually decided to initiate collaborative projects focusing on value addition, nutrition security, and commercialization of biofortified tuber crops.

The visit marks an important step towards strengthening industry–research partnerships for sustainable agri-food systems.

Exposure Visit-cum-Training Programme Successfully Conducted

An Exposure Visit-cum-Training Programme for 21 officers from the Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM), New Delhi, was successfully organized on 24 March 2026 in collaboration with the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Thiruvananthapuram.

The programme provided participants with valuable insights into innovative agricultural practices, institutional initiatives, and technology-driven approaches in the sector. It also served as a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building, fostering better understanding of field-level implementation and advancements.

📌 വിഷയം: കിഴങ്ങു വിളകളുടെ സംയോജിത പോഷക പരിപാലനം: നൂതന വിവരങ്ങളും സാങ്കേതിക വിദ്യകളും

🗓️ തീയതി: 30 മാർച്ച് 2026
⏰ സമയം: വൈകുന്നേരം 3.00 – 5.00

കിഴങ്ങുവിളകളിലെ ഉൽപാദനക്ഷമത വർധിപ്പിക്കാൻ ശാസ്ത്രീയമായ പോഷക നിയന്ത്രണ രീതികളും പുതുമയാർന്ന സാങ്കേതിക വിദ്യകളും അറിയാൻ ഈ വെബിനാറിൽ പങ്കെടുക്കൂ.

Topic: Integrated nutrient management in tropical tuber crops: Recent advances
Time: Mar 30, 2026 03:00 PM India
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88190956352?pwd=YYwahj8kndZyPiOa7eTXagltFW4qa1.1

Meeting ID: 881 9095 6352
Passcode: 468799

#കൃഷി #കിഴങ്ങുവിളകൾ #പോഷകപരിപാലനം

ICAR-CTCRI ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN THE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY CONCLAVE HELD AT SREE CHITRA TIRUNAL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Our scientists and students presented on biotechnology-led reinvention of tuber crops and digital farming solutions, while also contributing to discussions on industry–academia collaboration. CTCRI technologies were showcased, and our team engaged actively throughout the conclave.

Proud moment: Mrs. Divya S., PhD scholar received the Best Poster Award.

The conclave emerged as a great platform for collaboration, innovation, and future-ready agricultural technologies, following the landmark MoU signed among eight national institutions in Thiruvananthapuram.

MoU Signing Ceremony for Stakeholder Collaboration

An MoU signing ceremony for stakeholder collaboration was held on 18th March 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Hall of ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR–CTCRI), Sreekariyam.

ICAR–CTCRI signed Memoranda of Understanding with Government College, Kariavattom and Swadeshi Science Movement Kerala to promote collaboration in research, technology development, training and capacity building.

The collaboration with Government College, Kariavattom focuses on biotechnology research, student training and joint academic programmes, while the partnership with Swadeshi Science Movement Kerala aims at providing technical support for Agro-based Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs in Kerala. Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR–CTCRI, presided over the function. Scientists, officials and representatives from partner institutions attended the programme.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research

FIVE CTCRI TECHNOLOGIES READY TO ENTER INTERNATIONAL MARKETS THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH KUDUMBASHREE MISSION

Five out of the thirteen technologies recently licensed by ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) to the Kerala State Kudumbashree Mission are now poised to cross India’s borders and enter international markets.

This strategic partnership with Kudumbashree — the globally renowned network of over 4.8 million women — is giving unprecedented visibility and popularity to CTCRI technologies beyond India’s boundaries. Through this collaboration, women-led enterprises are commercializing scientifically developed value-added tuber crop products, opening new opportunities for global outreach.

The initiative highlights the powerful synergy between scientific innovation and community-based women entrepreneurship, demonstrating how research institutions and grassroots networks can jointly expand the global footprint of Indian agricultural technologies.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Staff of ICAR–CTCRI and farmers attended the live webcast of the release of the 22nd instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi by the Honourable Prime Minister, highlighting the Government’s continued commitment to farmer welfare and agricultural development
Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR-CTCRI organized Training on Improved Production and Value Addition Technologies in Tropical Tuber Crops at Wokha, Nagaland

A Training-cum-Demonstration Programme on “Improved Production and Value Addition Technologies in Tropical Tuber Crops” was organized under ICAR-CTCRI NEH Programme in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra and District Administration, Wokha on 12 March 2026 at Wokha, Nagaland. The programme was inaugurated by Shri. Vineet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Wokha and he appreciated the efforts taken by CTCRI for promoting scientific cultivation of high yielding varieties and value addition for increasing the income of farmers income. During the technical session, Dr. R. Muthuraj, Principal Scientist and Project PI of the NEH Programme delivered a lecture on improved production technologies in tropical tuber crops, Dr. Sajeev M. S on value addition and entrepreneurship development in tuber crops and given Hands-on training on preparation of chips from cassava, yams and sweet potato. A special lecture on AI and IoT in tuber crops was delivered by Dr. V. S. Santhosh Mithra.During the programme, farm tools like hand hoes, spades, tuber slicers and Trichoderma bio capsules were distributed to the farmers to promote cultivation and post-harvest processing and value addition. About 135 farmers from various parts of the district participated in the training programme. The programme was organized with the active involvement of Ms. Thungchano S. Ezung (SMS, Food Technology),ICAR-KVK, Wokha and Mr. Anuranjan Singh, Project Manger & Skill Development Officer, Wokha District Administration.

ICAR-CTCRI organized Training on Improved Production and Value Addition Technologies in Tropical Tuber Crops at Kanubari, Arunachal Pradesh.
A Training-cum-Demonstration Programme on “Improved Production and Value Addition Technologies in Tropical Tuber Crops” was organized under ICAR-CTCRI NEH Programme 2026 in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra Longding on 10 March 2026 at Kanubari, Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh. The programme was graced by Shri Yashwant Meena, IAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kanubari as the Chief Guest and he stressed the importance of scientific cultivation of high yielding varieties and value addition for augmenting farmers income. Smt. Kohai Tingkhatra, ZPM of Kanubari was the Guest of Honour. Dr. U. K. Bhattacharyya, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, ICAR-KVK Longding delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of tropical tuber crops in improving food and nutritional security in the North-Eastern Hill region. During the technical session, Dr. R. Muthuraj, Principal Scientist and Project PI of the NEH Programme delivered a lecture on improved production technologies in tropical tuber crops, explaining scientific cultivation practices for enhancing productivity. Dr. Sajeev M. S., in his class on value addition and entrepreneurship development in tuber crops highlighted opportunities for processing tuber crops into products such as chips, flour, starch, and traditional snack items to enhance farmers’ income. As part of the programme, farmers were also provided hands-on training on preparation of chips and namkeen from cassava. A special lecture on AI and IoT in tuber crops was delivered by Dr. V. S. Santhosh Mithra who explained the role of digital technologies for improving farm management and productivity. During the programme, farm tools like hand hoes, spades, tuber slicers and Trichoderma bio capsules were distributed to the farmers to promote cultivation and post-harvest processing and value addition. About 100 farmers from various parts of the district participated in the training programme. The programme was organized with the active involvement of ICAR-KVK Longding staff including Shri Vikas (SMS, Horticulture), Dr. Tilling Tayo (ACTO, Animal Science), Dr. Amit Kumar (SMS, Land & Water Management Engineering), and Dr. Deep Narayan Mishra (SMS, Plant Pathology).

DIRECTOR DELIVERED INAUGURAL AND KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY-2026 PROGRAMME AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM.

Organised by the Kerala Academy of Sciences, there were three invited talks by guest speakers.

The programme aimed at celebrating the spirit of WOMEN IN SCIENCE and reaffirming the role of science in building a knowledge-driven and inclusive Viksit Bharat.