Figure 1.
AwF project participant planting tuber crop seeds obtained during Tuber Crops Day

Figure 2.
 Exhibition of tuber crops during Tuber Crops Day

Figure 3.
  Farmers being trained br Drs Sankaran Santhosh on plot preparation

Figure 4.
 Harvest of grass carp from pond integrated with tuber crops

Figure 5.
 Inauguration of Tuber Crops Day

Figure 6.
 Interactive session with farmers

Figure 7.
 Sweet potato Gouri

Realising the potential of tuber crops for integration with fish culture to improve the livelihoods of farmers, certain varieties of tuber crops have been introduced for cultivation by AwF project beneficiaries in Bishramganj. Tribal farmers are generally habituated for the consumption of tuber crops, especially gathered from the wild. However, some of the wild varieties are nutritionally poor and often contain certain phytochemicals like diosgenine, HCN and oxalate which can affect the human health. In view of this, it is planned to introduce improved varieties of tuber crops and their cultivation practices to increase the availability of quality tuber crops to farmers and leaves and tuber residues to fish as food.

With a view to familiarize farmers to improved varieties of tuber crops and their nutritional value, April 2006, farmers were invited and shown the best ways to prepare food from these improved tuber crops for their own consumption and use of the wastes for aquaculture. A variety of dishes prepared out of these tuber crops were tested by farmers to asses the taste and flavor between wild and improved varieties. Some farmers were given planting materials for trial in their farm. The results obtained by these farmers created greater interest among several other farmers and more than thirty farmers came forward to plant tuber crops in their field.

Training on plot preparation and planting of tuber crops

On 17 March 2007, all the interested project farmers were invited to see a demonstration of scientific way of preparing plots and plant the materials. Special emphasis was given to demonstrate the design of plots around the ponds utilizing the basics of watershed management principles and the utilization of these crops residues in fish ponds. Though both men and women were invited for the training, largely women came forward to attend the training. After the training, one month's time was given for preparation of the field for planting of tuber crops.

Tuber crops day

On 18 April 2007, farmers were brought to the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Tripura Centre, Lembucherra to participate in the ‘Tuber crops Day’ celebrated by the centre. The objective of the day was to educate farmers on the scientific progress made in the cultivation of tuber crops and various value added products produced from such crops. Specialist researchers from the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Kerala and Bhubanewar presented information on various aspects of tuber crops. A small exhibition depicting various tuber crops, their cultivation practices and the products helped farmers to gain good understanding about the potential of tuber crops both as food and economic crop. Farmers had interaction with scientists and some progressive farmers facilitated interaction in their own tribal language.

To boost the enthusiasm of farmers, all the participating farmers were presented with a kit containing planting materials of improved varieties of Dioscorea (Greater Yam), Amorphophalus (Elephant foot yam), Tapioca (Cassava), Colocasia (Tannia) and Sweet potato. The improved varieties of sweet potato can produce tubers rich in Vitamin A and another variety which can produce maximum fodder in short duration and can protect the pond bunds from erosion were also given.

ICAR experience on tuber crops integration with fish culture

Composite culture of different varieties of carps including grass carp and the intensive feeding of grass carp with green leaves can effectively reduce the cost of supplementary feeding. Tapioca leaf is an excellent fodder (12-14% of protein on DM basis) and grass carp feeds actively on tapioca leaves. Tapioca stem is a good substrate for periphyton development and fish like tilapia, rohu, mrigal and common carp browse actively on the periphyton and decamping skin. Dried and powdered tubers are utilized as a starch source as well as binding agent to produce good quality pellet feed. Tapioca and sweet potato leaves will be available even during the lean season to feed the fish. Most of these tuber crops grow with minimal care and do not need much water. A variant strain of M4 variety of tapioca, is identified as the best suitable variety with the least HCN content for cultivation in this area. Some sweet potato varieties have also been identified in the ICAR centre that can produce maximum vegetation in a short span of time. If it is planted in the slopes of the bunds even near the water region for newly excavated ponds or renovated ponds, within three months time the total bunds will be covered by the vegetation. It is a dual-purpose crop that gives fodder that can be used as fish food and also helps to strengthen the pond bunds.

Role of Dr. Sankaran and Dr. B.Santhosh of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

The above programme has been made possible with the active participation of Dr. M. Sankaran, the scientist dealing with tuber crop cultivation in ICAR and Dr. B. Santhosh, Fisheries Scientist of ICAR who is also working very closely with the AwF project since its inception. It is hoped that the planting done by thirty project farmers in well prepared plots should increase the availability of improved tuber crop varieties in the project area and also open an avenue for the incorporation of the leaves and residues in fish culture. Other farmers will also be able to derive benefit by obtaining planting material from these farmers.

The AwF-Bishramganj project expresses sincere thanks to the Joint Director of ICAR to include AwF project participants as beneficiaries and the Dean of the College of Fisheries for providing a college vehicle to transport the farmers.