The Tuber Crop Development Project implemented by the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) was inaugurated at Karunapuram (Nedumkandam, Idukki) on 22.1.2026. The project is being implemented in collaboration with Malanadan Farmer Producer Company, Science Technology Innovation (STI) Hub, Swadeshi Sastra Prasthanam, Kerala Agriculture Department and Local Self-Government Department. The project was inaugurated by Idukki District Panchayat Member Smt. Mini Prince. Nedumkandam Block Vice President Shri C. S. Yashodhan was the chief guest at the function and Dr. K. Sunil Kumar, Nodal Officer of the project and Principal Scientist at CTCRI, presided over the function. Gram Panchayat members Mrs. Latha Kumari, Mrs. Saranya S., Mr. Santosh from Swadeshi Sastra Prasthan, Mr. Dilip Prasad, MD of Malanadan Farmer Producer Company, Mr. Nidheesh, State Coordinator of Science Technology Innovation Hub, delivered the welcome address. In the agricultural training program that followed, Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. E. R. Harish, and Senior Technician Mr. B. Satheesan conducted classes on various subjects.
As part of the project, production equipment such as best varieties of planting material, sprayer, hose, spade, pick-axe, micronutrient solution, 50 kg of urea, 50 kg of potash, and 50 kg of phosphorus were distributed to selected farmers. The beneficiaries of this were those below the poverty line of the Scheduled Castes. Mr. Santosh Idamana, representing the Swadeshi Shasta Movement, welcomed the gathering and Mr. Rajeev Raju, President of the Farmer Interest Group, expressed his gratitude. More than 100 farmers participated in the event.
