ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) organized the ‘PM Kisan Utsav Diwas’ programme on 20 June 2026, which featured the live webcast of the distribution of the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, along with a stakeholders’ interface on tropical tuber crop-based agrifood systems.

Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism, Government of India, was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the programme. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of farmer welfare through agricultural growth and rural prosperity, highlighting the vital role of farmers in ensuring food security and national development.

During the programme, the live webcast of the release of the 23rd installment of PM-KISAN by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, was screened for the participants. Under this instalment, a total amount of ₹4.28 crore was directly credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through the national event held at Tarakeswar, Hooghly district, West Bengal.

As part of the programme, planting materials of various tropical tuber crops were distributed to promising farmers to promote sustainable cultivation and enhance farm income. Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, welcomed the gathering and stressed the need to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers through the Government of India’s recently launched ‘Khet Bachaao Abhiyan’ aimed at improving soil health, sustainability, and agricultural productivity.

Smt. K. P. Bindu, Ward Councillor, Alathara, offered felicitations and appreciated the institute’s efforts in supporting farmers through research, technology dissemination, and capacity-building initiatives. Dr. G. Suja, Principal Scientist and Head, Crop Production Division, proposed the vote of thanks.

More than 400 participants, including farmers, scientists, extension personnel, entrepreneurs, students, and other stakeholders, attended the programme.