MANDATE
The Institute has a broad mandate of generating research information on tropical tuber crops that help to enhance productivity and improve the utilization potential.
- To undertake basic, strategic and applied research for generating technologies to enhance productivity and utilization potential of tuber crops (other than potato).
- To act as a national repository of scientific information on tuber crops
- To coordinate network research with State Agricultural Universities and ICAR Institutes for generating location specific technologies
- To act as a centre for human resource development for various clientele systems involved in research and development of tuber crops.
- To undertake transfer of tuber crops technology through consultancy, outreach programmes and linkage with developmental agencies.
MANDATORY CROPS
The mandatory crops of the Institute are 1. Cassava Manihot esculenta Crantz, Euphorbiaceae, 2. Sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. Convolvulaceae; 3. Greater yam Dioscorea alata L. Dioscoreaceae; 4. White yam Dioscorea rotundata Poir, Dioscoreaceae; 5. Lesser yam Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burls. Dioscoreaceae; 6. Taro Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott. Araceae; 7. Tannia Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott. Araceae; 8. Elephant foot yam Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson Araceae; 9. Giant taro Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott. Araceae; 10. Swamp taro Cyrtosperma chamissonis (Schott) Merr. Araceae; 11. Chinese potato Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir) J.K. Morton Labiatae; 12. Yam bean Pachyrrhizus erosus (L.) Urban Leguminaceae; 13. Arrowroot Maranta arundinacea L. Marantaceae; 14. Canna Canna edulis (Ker-Gawler) Cannaceae.