Tribal farmers to celebrate tubers, roots fest today
![Tribal farmers to celebrate tubers, roots fest today Tribal farmers to celebrate tubers, roots fest today](https://www.deccanchronicle.com/h-upload/2025/01/29/1886079-1.webp)
Showcasing agricultural heritage and biodiversity, the tribal community is coming together to celebrate a festival-focused on the diverse array of indigenous tubers and roots in the scenic village of Killoguda, in Dumbriguda mandal of Alluri Seetharama Raju district. (Image:DC)
Visakhapatnam: Showcasing agricultural heritage and biodiversity, the tribal community is coming together to celebrate a festival-focused on the diverse array of indigenous tubers and roots in the scenic village of Killoguda, in Dumbriguda mandal of Alluri Seetharama Raju district. The festival is facilitated by the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) in collaboration with volunteer organizations. The event aims to highlight these crops' cultural, ecological, and agricultural significance.
The festival starts at 10 am on January 30 and will attract over 200 tribal farmers who will showcase their collections of tubers and roots, fostering the exchange of genetic material among participants. Civil society organisations (CSOs) and farmer producer organisations (FPOs) will also actively participate, supporting these vital crops' conservation and sustainable use.
According to the CTCRI, root and tuber crops have been integral to global food systems for millennia and represent some of the oldest cultivated staples in human history. Due to their rich diversity and essential nutrients, these crops contribute significantly to nutrition and food security in India, particularly for tribal and rural populations.
These crops are highly adaptable to diverse climatic conditions and exhibit drought resilience, making them ideal for sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. Beyond their ecological benefits, tubers and roots hold substantial cultural importance, often featuring in local cuisines, festivals, and traditional medicinal practices.
CTCRI's research has documented over 2,000 varieties of root and tuber crops in India, each with unique traits and applications. Despite their versatility, these crops face limited consumer awareness, storage issues, and a lack of policy support. Social perceptions that label these crops as ‘food for the poor’ further hinder their broader adoption.
Addressing these challenges requires a shift in perception, enhanced policy support, and initiatives emphasising the nutritional, economic, and ecological value of root and tuber crops. The festival serves as a crucial step in this direction, celebrating the rich agricultural heritage and promoting the conservation of these indispensable crops.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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