THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A flood loss study reportby scientists of Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), submittedtotheUnion government shows that the state lost tuber crops worth Rs 288.04 crore spread across an area of 7,679.30 hectares. The report recommended a rehabilitation package of Rs 120 crore to assist tuber crop farmers in the state.A committee chaired by A L Singh, deputy director generalof theIndian Councilof Agricultural Research (ICAR), set up by the centre, had directed CTCRI among other scientific institutions in Kerala to study crop loss due to flood. The committee is expected to visit Kerala shortly for further action.A team of 28 scientists and technical officers led by CTCRI principal scientist G Byju made a detailed survey and collected data from all 14 districts of the state during September 7 to 12. The report was submitted by CTCRI director Archana Mukherjee.“The floods impacted 8.65% of the total area under tuber crops. Studies using ecological niche and crop models predict a total yield reduction of tuber crops to the extent of 15%. Among the districts, Alappuzha , Thrissur, Ernakulum, Malappuram , Pathanamthitta and Wayanad were theworsthit.Around78.50%of loss of crops occurred here,” said Byju, principal scientist, CTCRI.The state has an estimated production of 30 lakh tonnes of tubers.Of the recommended Rs 120 crore rehabilitation package to tuber crop farmers in the state, Rs 32.28 crore will be for quality planting material, Rs 27.72 crore for soil testing and restoration, Rs 20 crore for biocontrol agents and bio-pesticides and Rs 40 crore for restoration of other damages to tuber crops. It also recommends promoting organic farming and location specific integrated farming system models.

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