Now, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute to produce Chena Pradhaman Ada

Chena Pradhaman Ada packets.

The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) here at Sreekaryam has developed a technology for the production of ready-to-cook flakes from elephant foot yam (Chena) for making ada pradhaman.

According to the CTCRI, ada pradhaman made using the flakes of elephant foot yam corms has higher nutritional value than the rice ada.

The CTCRI has also licensed the process technology for the production of the shelf-stable, dehydrated Chena Pradhaman Ada. The new product is being commercially marketed by the Haritha Lakshmi Krishikoottam, a Kollam-based farmer group. The ada from the elephant foot yam is being sold under the Keralagro brand of the Agriculture department.

Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar had formally launched it at a function last week.

With 15-20% starch, 1.5 % dietary fibre, 1.5 to 3.2% protein, 12-14 mg/100 gram calcium, 1.2 mg/100 gram iron and high levels of phosphorus (49-60 mg), elephant foot yam corms are nutritionally better compared to tubers such as cassava, M.S. Sajeev, principal scientist and lead developer of the technology, said.

Product diversification

CTCRI director G. Byju said that the institute places emphasis on product diversification focussing on region-specific and popular tuber crops and niche markets.

Published - June 01, 2025 06:36 pm IST