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.
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.
