ICAR - National Research Centre for Banana (Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution -2020 Awardee) celebrated its 29th Foundation Day and Kisan Mela celebration on 20th August 2022. Dr. S. Uma, Director NRCB, in her presidential address mentioned the achievements of ICAR-NRCB during the last year. The present foundation & farmers’ day celebration was planned to hold the dialogue between different stakeholders in the banana production system viz., administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and extensionists to frame the modalities for the policy development for banana promotion and development. By releasing the Institute’s various publications, Chief Guest Dr. (Smt.) Poonam Malakondaiah, I.A.S., Chief Commissioner & Special Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh emphasized the women and youth in agriculture, systematic implementation of state and central programmes, extension support systems, and value chain development as the key points foragriculture development in any state. Special guest Dr. (Ms.) R. Brindha Devi, I.A.S., Director, Horticulture & Plantation Crops / Managing Director, TANHODA explains the role and supportive measures of TANHODA for banana farmers. She mentioned that the banana cluster project implemented at Theni will be replicated in the Trichy as well. Dr. Anitha Karun, Director, ICAR-CPCRI;Dr. Debi Sharma, ICAR-IIHR; Dr. MurugesaBoopathy, Former Vice Chancellorwere the Guests of honor. The Chief Guest inaugurated the exhibition stall. On the occasion, two technical presentations were made by Dr. R. Thangavelu, Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology), and Dr. K. N. Shiva, Principal Scientist (Horticulture) under the theme “Advances in Production, Post-Harvest Technologies and Value Addition in Banana’. To recognize the achievements of different stakeholders, ten different awards were bestowed. Around 800 participants from across the length and breadth of the state registered and participated in the event. Dr. J. Poorani, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NRCB, Tiruchirappalli gave the welcome address. Dr. V. Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NRCB, Tiruchirappalli gave the vote of thanks. .
