Mon Nov 17 13:53:47 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:
Summary:
The 20th International Symposium of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRTC 4 NARES) has commenced in Thiruvananthapuram, India, focusing on the role of tropical root and tuber crops in ensuring nutrition, sustainable agrifood systems, resilience, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Key speakers, including Sanjay Kumar Singh from ICAR, emphasized the need for diversified food systems and the critical role of these crops in addressing global food security and climate change. The symposium highlights international collaboration and commitment to improving food security through enhanced production and value chain development of tropical tubers. Award were presented for significant contributions in the research.
News Article:
International Symposium Highlights Root Crops as Key to Food Security
Thiruvananthapuram, India – November 17, 2025 – The 20th International Symposium of the International Society for Tropical Root Crops (ISTRTC 4 NARES) opened today in Thiruvananthapuram, India, with a strong emphasis on the crucial role of tropical root and tuber crops in tackling global food security challenges and climate change.
Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General of Horticultural Sciences at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), delivered the inaugural address, stressing the importance of moving away from monocropping towards diversified food systems that maximize resource utilization and minimize waste.
“Tropical root and tuber crops are vital to ensuring food and nutritional security, especially in the face of the ongoing agrarian crisis and climate change,” Singh stated. “These crops also offer significant opportunities for entrepreneurship development.”
The five-day symposium, organized by the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) and the Indian Society for Root Crops (ISRC), marks the second time India has hosted the prestigious event.
Lateef O. Sanni, President of ISTRC, underscored the significance of tuber crops and bananas as staple foods in Sub-Saharan Africa. ICAR-CTCRI Director G. Byju reinforced the shared international commitment to improving food security through enhanced production and value chain development of tropical tubers.
During the opening ceremony, A.N. Jyothi of ICAR-CTCRI received the ISRC Fellow 2025 Award for their contributions. Jinimol and M. Nedunchezhiyan were awarded the Dr. A. Abraham Award for their research. A special issue of Kerala Karshakan was also released.
The symposium brings together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and farmers from around the globe to discuss the latest advancements and strategies for promoting the sustainable production and utilization of tropical root and tuber crops. Other notable speakers include R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli; Hugo Campos, Deputy Director General – Science and Innovation, International Potato Centre, Peru; Michael Abberton, Director, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, West Africa Hub; Andrew Westby, Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Research and Knowledge Exchange, University of Greenwich; and Jan W. Low, World Food Laureate.
First Piper 