ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

28/07/2026

ICAR-CTCRI REVIEWS HALF-YEARLY PROGRESS OF Ph.D. SCHOLARS

The Institute Academic Committee (IAC) of ICAR–CTCRI conducted the half-yearly review of the research progress of its Ph.D. scholars. A total of 24 research scholars registered with the University of Kerala, Digital University Kerala, and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi presented the progress of their doctoral research.

The review served as a platform for academic assessment, constructive feedback, and scientific guidance to ensure the quality and relevance of ongoing research in tropical tuber crops and allied disciplines.

The meeting was coordinated by Dr. M. L. Jeeva, Chairman, IAC, reaffirming ICAR-CTCRI's commitment to nurturing young researchers and promoting excellence in agricultural research.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research

27/07/2026

ICAR-CTCRI Recognises Students for Outstanding Research Publications

ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) recognised two young researchers for their outstanding scientific publications during the Foundation Day celebrations.

Ms. Divya J. received the Best Research Paper Recognition for Student (2026) for her publication on the synthesis and adsorption performance of cassava starch phosphate carbamate in the journal Starch/Stärke. Dr. Amrutha P.R. was also honoured with the Best Research Paper Recognition for Student (2026) for her publication on the genomic insights and biocontrol potential of Bacillus subtilis against fungal pathogens in greater yam, published in Biocontrol.

The recognitions underscore ICAR-CTCRI’s commitment to nurturing young scientific talent and encouraging high-quality research that contributes to advances in tropical tuber crop science.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research

27/07/2026

ICAR-CTCRI Recognises Scientists for Excellence in Research, Resource Mobilisation and Technology Transfer

ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) honoured three scientists for their outstanding achievements during the Foundation Day celebrations.

Dr. G. Suja received the Best Research Paper Recognition for Scientist (2026) for her publication on the organic system evaluation of cassava varieties in South India. Dr. P.S. Sivakumar was honoured with the Best Scientist Resource Mobilization Recognition (2026) for securing an externally aided project worth ₹1.67 crore on developing a cassava value chain-based entrepreneurship model for enhancing tribal livelihoods in Tamil Nadu. Dr. Saravana Raju received the Best Scientist (Technology Transfer) Recognition (2026) for the successful licensing of the elite purple taro technology, ICAR-CTCRI Jamuni, to a private enterprise.

The recognitions reflect ICAR-CTCRI’s commitment to promoting excellence in scientific research, innovation, resource generation, and technology commercialization for the benefit of farmers and society.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research

27/07/2026

ICAR-CTCRI Honours Outstanding Staff for Dedicated Service

As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) honoured three staff members in recognition of their exemplary dedication, commitment, and outstanding contributions to the Institute.

The recognitions were conferred on Shri Manikantan Nair, Senior Technician (Technical Staff category), Smt. S. Sunitha, Personal Assistant (Administrative Staff category), and Smt. V.S. Remya, Multi Tasking Staff (MTS category). The recognition acknowledges their sincere service and significant role in supporting the Institute’s research, administration, and overall functioning.

The Institute congratulates the recipients and appreciates their unwavering commitment towards strengthening the mission of ICAR-CTCRI.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research

27/07/2026

ICAR-CTCRI Honours Eight Progressive Tuber Crop Farmers from Across India

The ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, honoured eight progressive tuber crop farmers from different parts of the country in recognition of their outstanding achievements in scientific cultivation, technology adoption, and entrepreneurship. Their success stories highlight the impact of ICAR-CTCRI technologies in enhancing productivity, profitability, and sustainable tuber crop farming.

The awardees included:
•Shri Yalamati Subbarao (Andhra Pradesh) – Recognised for achieving 22–25 tonnes per acre of the ICAR-CTCRI-developed elephant foot yam variety 'Gajendra', generating a net income of ₹3–5 lakh per acre.

•Shri Bharat Bhushan (Himachal Pradesh) – Honoured for earning nearly ₹8 lakh per acre from elephant foot yam cultivation and promoting tuber crops through Nirmala Agrofresh.

•Shri M.S. Mahalingeshwar Prasad (Karnataka) – Recognised for pioneering grow bag cultivation of biofortified sweet potato and earning nearly ₹10 lakh per crop cycle.

•Smt. Aswathy M. (Kerala) – Honoured for producing nearly 30 tonnes of tuber crops annually and successfully developing arrowroot-based farming and entrepreneurship.

•Shri Shiju M.S. (Kerala) – Recognised for achieving 21.3 tonnes per acre of elephant foot yam through an innovative crop–fish integrated farming system.

•Shri Sujith S.P. (Kerala) – Honoured for achieving 20–22 tonnes per acre of elephant foot yam and promoting scientific farming practices through digital media.

•Shri P. Velusamy (Tamil Nadu) – Recognised for achieving a cassava yield of 43.5 tonnes per hectare and supplying quality cassava and sweet potato planting materials to farmers.

•Shri Prasanta Kumar Giri (Odisha) – Honoured for developing an integrated farming system and supplying quality tuber crop planting materials as a Decentralized Seed Multiplier.

The institute recognised these farmers for their exemplary contributions to improving tuber crop productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and inspiring fellow farmers through innovation and technology adoption.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research

27/07/2026

ICAR-CTCRI Celebrates 63rd Foundation Day, Honours Progressive Farmers and Unveils New Technologies

ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), Sreekariyam, celebrated its 63rd Foundation Day by showcasing its achievements in tropical tuber crop research, releasing new crop varieties and technologies, signing collaborative agreements with partner institutions, and honouring progressive farmers and outstanding staff members. The celebrations were inaugurated by Shri Minhaj Alam, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary and Agricultural Production Commissioner, Government of Kerala, while Shri T.V. Subhash, IAS, Special Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Kerala, attended the function as the Guest of Honour.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr G. Suja, Head, Division of Crop Production, highlighted the institute's role in advancing sustainable tuber crop production. Dr G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, who presided over the function, presented the institute's major achievements during 2025–26 and unveiled the Strategic Roadmap for 2026–27, outlining priorities in research, innovation, technology dissemination, national and international collaborations, infrastructure development, human resource development, and digital transformation. A major highlight of the programme was the release of institute publications, newly developed crop varieties, and improved production technologies. The institute also signed and exchanged Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner institutions to strengthen collaborative research and extension activities.

Eight progressive tuber crop farmers from different parts of the country were honoured for their exemplary contributions to scientific farming and technology adoption. The awardees were Shri Yalamati Subbarao (Andhra Pradesh), Shri Bharat Bhushan (Himachal Pradesh), Shri M.S. Mahalingeshwara Prasad (Karnataka), Smt Aswathy M. (Kerala), Shri Shiju M.S. (Kerala), Shri Sujith S.P. (Kerala), Shri P. Velusamy (Tamil Nadu), and Shri Prasanta Kumar Giri (Odisha). The institute also felicitated recipients of the Best Research Paper Awards and staff members for their outstanding performance during 2025.

In his Foundation Day address, Shri Minhaj Alam, IAS, appreciated ICAR-CTCRI's significant contributions to agricultural research, technology development, and farmer welfare, and emphasized the importance of research-driven innovations for strengthening sustainable agriculture. Shri T.V. Subhash, IAS, commended the institute's pioneering work in tropical tuber crops and stressed the need for stronger partnerships among research institutions, government agencies, and farmers to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr T. Makesh Kumar, Head, Division of Crop Protection, followed by a Farmer–Scientist Interface, where farmers and scientists exchanged ideas on emerging production challenges, technological innovations, and future strategies for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of tropical tuber crops.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research

27/07/2026

27/07/2026

Recognizing Excellence and Celebrating the Stories of Our Farmers.......
63rd Foundation Day Celebrations of ICAR–CTCRI.

ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

24/07/2026

C.K. HAREENDRAN, MLA INAUGURATES FARMERS’ TRAINING PROGRAMME AT KOLLAYIL, DHANUVACHAPURAM

A Farmers’ Training Programme under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) was jointly organized by CTCRI and the Department of Agriculture Development & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Kerala at Kollayil Grama Panchayat to promote scientific tuber crop cultivation.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri C. K. Hareendran, MLA, Parassala, and presided over by Smt. Ambika K., President, Kollayil Grama Panchayat. Smt. Arya S. U., President, Perumkadavila Block Panchayat, distributed quality planting materials and agricultural inputs to the beneficiaries.

Dr. G. Suja, Head, Division of Crop Production, CTCRI, delivered a technical session on improved tuber crop production technologies. Shri D. Satheesan and Shri D. T. Rejin from CTCRI also participated.

The programme aimed to equip farmers with scientific knowledge, improved technologies, and quality planting materials for sustainable and profitable tuber crop cultivation.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research

24/07/2026

From Vision to Victory... From Research to Impact...

Join us in celebrating the 63-year journey of ICAR–CTCRI as we revisit the milestones, innovations, achievements, and people who have shaped our legacy of excellence.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research