Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Minister of Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, visited ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram with other officers of Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The visit was part of a broader initiative to strengthen ties between research institution and state agricultural departments, fostering advancements in tuber crops cultivation and processing. Dr. G Byju , Director, ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram briefed about the ongoing research activities of the institute and various developmental programmes it carried in different parts of India with special reference to the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Live materials of tuber crops, value added products and other important technologies developed by CTCRI were showcased to the minister during the programme. The minister interacted with the scientists and staff of ICAR-CTCRI and evinced keen interest in the application of tuber crops technologies for the benefit of farmers of Arunachal Pradesh. He also highlighted that a pool of progressive farmers from Arunachal Pradesh is being established to bridge the research-extension gap. Shri Wangsu, emphasized the potential for collaboration, and underscored the importance of leveraging scientific knowledge to enhance the tuber crop production in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly focusing on entrepreneurship, skill development, and market expansion for tuber crops farmers of the state. Smt Koj Rinya, IFS, Secretary, Horticulture, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, spoke about establishing a Memorandum of Understanding between the institute and Govt of Arunachal Pradesh for developing tuber crops sector in the state. She emphasized working in mission mode for taking collaboration to the next level at the earliest. The delegates visited all the facilities of the institute, including Shri. SJ Goswami (OSD to minister), Shri. Nokngam Wanglen (PRO to minister), Shri. Ngampha Wanglen (PRO to minister), Dr. Darge Tsering (VO-HQ) and Shri. Benjamin Pertin (DHO-HQ). On this occasion, tree plantation was done in the institute campus by the minister. The visit also highlighted efforts to develop sustainable practices and technologies that can be integrated into the Arunachal Pradesh’s farming systems, benefiting farmers and creating new economic opportunities. This move aligns with the state's broader strategy to improve the socio-economic conditions of its rural population through agricultural and allied sector growth.
