Nagaland: MLA Yanthan emphasises to improve value chain of Tapioca

February 25, 2025 36 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Wokha | February 25

MLA & Advisor, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland Mhathung Yanthan highlighted the significance of tuber crops, particularly tapioca, in the region’s agricultural system due to their resilience to climatic challenges and ease of cultivation. Noting that ‘Nagaland is the fourth largest producer of tapioca in the country,’ the MLA & Advisor emphasised the potential for improving the value chain, processing and market access for these crops.

Yanthan graced the training programme on novel processing and value addition in tapioca and ethnic tuber crops festival held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha on February 24 as the special guest. The event was jointly organised by ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (NEH Programme of ICAR-CTCRI & AICRP on Tuber Crops), District Administration, Wokha, Government of Nagaland & ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha. A total of 150 members registered for the training.

Addressing the gathering, Yanthan stressed the importance of exploring innovative processing methods to add value and increase income for farmers, especially those involved in self-help groups (SHGs) and smallholder farms. He also pointed out the necessity of collaborative research to enhance the quality of local varieties, improve productivity, and expand the scope for value-added products such as tapioca flour and starch.

Yanthan encouraged ongoing efforts in entrepreneurship and emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including the government, research institutions, and farmers, to enhance both productivity and market opportunities.

Furthermore, he touched upon the need for adaptive trials to identify the most suitable varieties for local conditions, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. He concluded by urging continued research, collaboration, and innovation to increase the economic viability of tuber crops in the region.

Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vineet Kumar in his welcome address remarked that the training was a unique opportunity to enhance the value and productivity of tuber crops, especially tapioca. He emphasised the role of the event in supporting farmers by improving the value chain, with a focus on increasing the value of existing crops through better market access, value addition, and innovative processing. The DC Wokha underscored that the programme aims to assist farmers in generating additional income through improved farming techniques and by leveraging new market opportunities.

Dr G Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI (Online) in his online presidential address reaffirmed ICAR-CTCRI’s support for furthering research and development in the field of tuber crops and processing. He also emphasised the need for continued collaboration between government agencies, research bodies, and local communities.

The technical sessions featured expert speakers including Dr R Muthuraj, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI, who spoke on Improved Varieties and Quality Planting Material Production in Tapioca; Dr D Jaganathan, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI, who discussed Economics and Marketing of Tapioca; and Dr T Krishnakumar, Scientist, ICAR-CTCRI, who presented on Novel Processing Techniques and Value Addition in Tapioca. These sessions provided valuable insights into best practices for cultivation, effective marketing strategies, and innovative processing techniques to increase the economic returns from tapioca farming.

An interactive Q&A session followed, allowing farmers and stakeholders the opportunity to engage with experts and ask questions about various aspects of tapioca cultivation, processing and marketing.

The inaugural session was chaired by Thungbeni Kikon, with special remarks from Dr R Muthuraj, Principal Scientist & PI, NEH Programme, ICAR-CTCRI, and Dr H Kalita, Head, Regional Centre, ICAR RC for NEH, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani. Short speeches were also delivered by department officials, including the CIH, Nagaland, Additional Director of Agriculture, Director of Horticulture, and IFS Rajiv Shankar.

Remarks were given by Anuranjan Singh, Skill Development Officer, Wokha and the technical session was brought to a close with a vote of thanks by Dr Sandeep Deshmukh, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, Wokha.