Tiruchirappalli, February 4, 2025 – A one-day workshop on “Bioprimed Elite High-Yielding Quality TC Plants for Higher Productivity” and the inauguration of a three-day training programme on “Improved Hi-Tech Banana Technology for Holistic Development of Tribal Farmers in Namakkal District” were successfully held at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB), Tiruchirappalli. The programme was jointly organized by ICAR-NRCB, ICAR-CTCRI, the District Forest Department, Namakkal, and ICAR-KVKs of Tiruchirappalli, Karur, and Ariyalur. A total of 60 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers participated in this initiative, aimed at distributing elite high-yielding quality planting materials of banana to enhance agricultural productivity. A total of 25000 virus free banana plants are being distributed to the SC and Tribal farmers of Trichy. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including, Thiru. S. Kalanidhi, IFS, District Forest Officer, Namakkal, Dr. T. Makeshkumar, Head, Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Vikramaditya Pandey, Principal Scientist, Horticulture Section, ICAR, New Delhi. In his Presidential Address, Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR-NRCB, emphasized the significance of Geographical Indications (GI) and the conservation of indigenous banana varieties such as Numaran and Manoranjitham in Kolli hills. He highlighted that technological interventions will empower SC & ST farmers, ensuring better livelihood opportunities. He also mentioned that ICAR is committed to the concept of “Reaching the Unreached” by extending available technological advancements to marginalized communities. Additionally, ICAR-NRCB is focused on increasing farm income per unit area while ensuring economic and nutritional security for farmers in remote areas. A technology exhibition featuring the latest innovations from ICAR-NRCB and ICAR-CTCRI was a key highlight of the event, offering valuable insights to participating farmers. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. C. Karpagam, followed by an insightful briefing by Dr. C. Anuradha. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. K. Nagendran. This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering tribal farmers through advanced technological interventions in banana and tapioca cultivation, ensuring higher productivity and long-term sustainability in agriculture.