The District Administration, Wokha, in collaboration with ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha; ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya; and in convergence with Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), Wokha and Mission Shakti – DHEW under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), successfully organized a one-day training workshop on improved production and value addition technologies in tropical tuber crops. The event was held on 15th September 2025 at Tiyi Hall, Wokha.
Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS, attended the programme as Special Guest. In his address, he expressed appreciation to the partner institutions for their commitment to the farmers of Wokha district. He commended the enthusiastic participation of women in the workshop and emphasized the importance of adopting scientific approaches to tuber crop cultivation. He highlighted the potential of value addition to improve productivity, income, and livelihoods, and encouraged the formation of cluster-based production models to enhance output and attract buyers from outside the state ultimately improving market access and linkages nationwide.
Principal Scientist and PI, NEH Programme, ICAR-CTCRI, Kerala, Dr. R. Muthuraj delivered a special address, covering topics such as tuber crop varieties, cultivation techniques, value addition, and product diversification. The welcome address was delivered by Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Wokha, while the vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Mhalo Tungoe, CTO, ICAR-KVK Wokha.
The technical sessions were chaired by Anuranjan Singh, Project Manager and Skill Development (I/C). Key sessions included:
1. Improved varieties and production technologies for enhancing profitability by Dr. R. Muthuraj
2. Economic and marketing aspects of tropical tuber crops by Dr. P. Prakash, Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram
3. Post-harvest processing and value addition by Dr. Krishikumar T., Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI, Kerala.
Practical demonstrations and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on identifying field-level challenges and formulating action plans were conducted by Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh, Dr. R. Muthuraj, Anuranjan Singh, Dr. T. Krishikumar, and Dr. Prakash.
The programme concluded with feedback from farmers, a valedictory session, and the distribution of implements to participants. The workshop marked a significant step toward empowering local farmers with scientific knowledge and practical tools for sustainable agricultural development.
(DPRO & IA, Wokha)
