Shillong, Jan 28: The ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of West Garo Hills, in collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Tuber Crops, successfully organised an awareness-cum-exhibition programme on tuber crops today with the objective of promoting the cultivation, utilisation and nutritional importance of tuber crops among the farming community of the district.
The programme provided a platform to enhance awareness on improved tuber crop varieties, advanced production technologies and value addition opportunities suited to the agro-climatic conditions of West Garo Hills, while also emphasising the conservation of local species.
A total of 116 participants attended the event, including 20 men and 96 women from eight different villages of the district – Rongpokgre, Daronggre, Wakringtonggre, Marapara, Baguggre, Rongatagre, Mankingiri and Sangsanggre.
During the exhibition, various tuber crops such as cassava, sweet potato, taro, yam and other locally important tubers were displayed. The KVK experts and Subject Matter Specialists interacted with the farmers, providing technical guidance on improved production practices, pest and disease management and post-harvest handling of tuber crops. The programme also highlighted the nutritional and economic significance of tuber crops in ensuring food and nutritional security, particularly for tribal and resource-poor households.
The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes to the participants to encourage their active participation.
