ICAR-NRCB and ISHA Outreach Jointly Organizes ‘Cultivation of Food Forest and Triphal Diversity Show’

In an event that celebrated the rich agricultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, the ‘Cultivation of Food Forest and Triphal Diversity Show 2024’ was hosted on June 23, 2024 at Puskaram Agricultural College, Thiruvarangulam. The event, organized through a partnership between ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), ICAR-Indian Institutes of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, and ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Kerala, in collaboration with Isha Outreach, drew a crowd of over 5,500 farmers and stakeholders, with over 10,000 individuals engaging through social media.

Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director of ICAR-NRCB, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the cultural, socio-economic, and geographical importance of bananas. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s historical role in cultivating mango, jackfruit, and banana—collectively known as "Mukkanigal." This tradition, he noted, dates back to the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties, who promoted these fruits extensively. Dr. Selvarajan also pointed out that ICAR-NRCB maintains the largest collection of banana germplasm globally, showcasing a diversity unmatched by any other country.

M.M. Abdulla, Rajya Sabha M.P., addressed the gathering, underlining the urgent need to increase forest cover in the country. He praised the efforts of ICAR-NRCB in exhibiting 50 banana varieties that possess unique traits such as high carotenoids, minerals, iron, resistant starch, medicinal properties, and distinct flavors, including several Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged varieties. Additionally, over 50 value-added banana products were displayed, alongside various innovative technologies aimed at benefiting farmers, stakeholders, and entrepreneurs.

A major highlight of the event was the recognition of 25 farmers for their exceptional contributions to conserving mango, jackfruit, and banana varieties. These farmers play a vital role in preserving genetic diversity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. As part of the event, subsidized banana, mango, and jackfruit seedlings were distributed to farmers, encouraging the expansion of these valuable crops.

The ‘Cultivation of Food Forest and Triphal Diversity Show 2024’ not only showcased the rich biodiversity of these fruits but also fostered a deeper understanding of their importance in sustainable agriculture. The extensive media coverage and the active participation of thousands of individuals both on-site and online underscored the event's success and its positive impact on the agricultural community.