The district-level inauguration of the SeedGram 2025-2030 initiative, aimed at the upliftment of Scheduled Caste farmers under the ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Tuber Crops, was successfully conducted. The event featured the distribution of planting materials and agricultural equipment, and was inaugurated by Shri P. Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Kerala.
The function was presided over by Smt. Shirly Bhargavan, Chairperson of the Municipality. Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of tuber crops and the SeedGram initiative in ensuring food and livelihood security for marginalized farming communities.
Shri T.S. Ajayakumar delivered the welcome address, and Dr. J. Sreekumar, Principal Scientist, CTCRI, proposed the vote of thanks.
Technical sessions were led by Dr. G. Suja, Principal Scientist & Head, Crop Production Division, and Dr. H. Kesava Kumar, Senior Scientist, who provided expert insights into sustainable tuber crop production & protection technologies.
About 140 farmers attended including 38 beneficiaries of SCSP program.
An exhibition on tuber crops was also organized at the venue, showcasing innovations and improved varieties developed under the ICAR-AICRP programme.
The program also saw participation and contributions of Shri Satheesan B., T. Rejin, Aswin Raj, Shiju & Akhil from ICAR-CTCRI.
