Sat Mar 15 13:57:50 UTC 2025: ## Kani Tribes in Western Ghats Receive Training and Resources for Improved Tuber Crop Cultivation
**Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu – March 15, 2025** – Fifty Kani tribal farmers from four settlements near Papanasam dam in Tirunelveli district participated in a training program focused on enhancing tuber crop cultivation. The program, organized by the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, aimed to improve the farmers’ income and food security.
The training, held under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) at the Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve’s office, featured sessions on improved tuber crop varieties, production techniques, and value addition. CTCRI scientists emphasized the benefits of high-yielding varieties developed by the institute, including Sree Pavithra and Sree Reksha cassava, and several varieties of sweet potato, elephant foot yam, and greater yam.
Participants received planting materials of these improved varieties, along with essential tools and resources like sprayers and micronutrients. Thirty farmers also received additional support in the form of value-added products.
Dr. G. Byju, Director of ICAR-CTCRI, highlighted the importance of bio-fortified tuber crops for nutritional security. He praised the collaborative efforts of the Department of Horticulture and the Department of Forests in empowering the Kani tribes. The Deputy Director of Horticulture, M. Ilango, stressed the significance of capacity-building programs for improving livelihoods. Progressive Kani farmers expressed their gratitude for the training and resources provided.
First Piper 