The ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) organized a farmer training programme and distribution of planting materials at the N.S.S. Karayogam Hall, Peringamala, in Venganur Grama Panchayat on June 18, 2025. The programme was inaugurated by Shri M. Vincent, Hon’ble MLA of Kovalam. Dr. G. Suja, Director-in-Charge of CTCRI, presided over the function.
As part of the programme, technical sessions were held on topics relevant to local agricultural development. Dr. K. Sunil Kumar, Principal Scientist and Project Leader at CTCRI, delivered a session on Decentralized Seed Production, while Dr. Suresh Kumar Jabu, Scientist, CTCRI, spoke on Possibilities of Urban Agriculture.
In a key highlight of the event, high-quality planting materials of improved tuber crop varieties were distributed to around 100 selected farmers from the region. The distribution aimed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen seed availability at the grassroots level.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries and officials, including Smt. Sunita Binu, Vice President of Venganur Grama Panchayat; Panchayat Members Shriman Shrikumar and Ashtapalan; Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayat Member Shriman Bhagat Rufus; Shri Sunil K., Assistant Director of Agriculture, Neyyattinkara; Dr. Prakash Krishnan B.S., Technical Officer, CTCRI; Smt. Vidya, Skilled Support Staff, CTCRI; and Smt. Sreeja, Agriculture Officer, Venganur Krishi Bhavan. Officers from the Agriculture Department and CTCRI also participated and extended their support.
Dr. K. Sunil Kumar welcomed the gathering, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Sreeja.
