ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Sreekariyam, celebrated its 63rd Foundation Day by showcasing its achievements in tropical tuber crop research, releasing new crop varieties and technologies, signing collaborative agreements with partner institutions, and honouring progressive farmers and outstanding staff members. The celebrations were inaugurated by Shri Minhaj Alam, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Kerala, while Shri T.V. Subhash, IAS, Special Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Kerala, attended the function as the Guest of Honour.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr G. Suja, Head, Division of Crop Production, highlighted the institute's role in advancing sustainable tuber crop production. Dr G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, who presided over the function, presented the institute's major achievements during 2025–26 and unveiled the Strategic Roadmap for 2026–27, outlining priorities in research, innovation, technology dissemination, national and international collaborations, infrastructure development, human resource development, and digital transformation. A major highlight of the programme was the release of institute publications, newly developed crop varieties, and improved production technologies. The institute also signed and exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner institutions to strengthen collaborative research and extension activities.

Eight progressive tuber crop farmers from different parts of the country were honoured for their exemplary contributions to scientific farming and technology adoption. The awardees were Shri Yalamati Subbarao (Andhra Pradesh), Shri Bharat Bhushan (Himachal Pradesh), Shri M.S. Mahalingeshwara Prasad (Karnataka), Smt Aswathy M. (Kerala), Shri Shiju M.S. (Kerala), Shri Sujith S.P. (Kerala), Shri P. Velusamy (Tamil Nadu), and Shri Prasanta Kumar Giri (Odisha). The institute also felicitated recipients of the Best Research Paper Awards and staff members for their outstanding performance during 2025.

In his Foundation Day address, Shri Minhaj Alam, IAS, appreciated ICAR-CTCRI's significant contributions to agricultural research, technology development, and farmer welfare, and emphasized the importance of research-driven innovations for strengthening sustainable agriculture. Shri T.V. Subhash, IAS, commended the institute's pioneering work in tropical tuber crops and stressed the need for stronger partnerships among research institutions, government agencies, and farmers to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr T. Makesh Kumar, Head, Division of Crop Protection, followed by a Farmer–Scientist Interface, where farmers and scientists exchanged ideas on emerging production challenges, technological innovations, and future strategies for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of tropical tuber crops.