Impact of Improved Cassava Interventions

Miss. T. Preethi Priyadharshini had pursued post graduation in Agricultural Extension at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and currently working as Assistant Professor in Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Erode. Dr. A. Janaki Rani, Chairperson and research guide is working as Assistant Professor in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

Tuber Crops play a critical role in fulfilling the multifaceted needs of the people contributing to food security and poverty eradication. Cassava is considered as the king of tropical tuber crops as it occupies a significant position in the global agricultural economy and trade amongst the tuber crops. Cassava is an important industrial crop of Tamil Nadu, occupies first position in the production (0.065 t) in India. In Tamil Nadu, Salem district has the highest area (27007 ha). Even though the area is high in Salem, the scientific way of cultivation of cassava among the socially backward cassava growers was low compared to other farmers. Target on this farming community was made and several cassava projects were implemented by Govt. of India to educate and enhance scientific way of cassava cultivation. Present study was focused to analysis the depth of projects success. Research was concentrated on various dimensions like knowledge gain, increase in adoption level, impact of the interventions and its outcomes were discussed. The study throws light on the state of the cassava growers in Salem and forecasts the ways and means to enhance their potentiality.