From lab to field: New potato varieties ready

The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, has developed four new potato varieties that will soon be available to farmers after final approval from the government. This was announced by Dr Brajesh Singh, Director of CPRI, during the institute’s 77th Foundation Day celebrations.

Dr Singh said the institute has so far developed 76 potato varieties suitable for diverse regions and climates across India. He also shared information on agricultural techniques related to potato storage, processing, crop systems, resource management and crop protection methods.

The event was attended by Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, as the chief guest. Shimla Mayor Surendra Chauhan and Dr VP Sharma, Director, Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan, were present as special guests.

In his address, Dr Sanjay Singh said earlier potato cultivation was limited to high mountain regions due to the requirement of long-duration and low-temperature conditions. “Thanks to CPRI’s research, potato farming has expanded to the plains, making India the world’s second-largest potato producer after China,” he remarked.

Mayor Surendra Chauhan congratulated the institute’s staff, calling CPRI not only the pride of Shimla but also one of the top ICAR institutes globally. On the occasion, the institute honoured several of its staff members with the Best Worker Award, including Dr Tanuja Bakseth (scientist), Kusum Singh (technical category), Gurujeet Singh (administrative category) and Ranveer Singh (skilled assistant category).

In addition, 27 progressive farmers from Himachal Pradesh were felicitated for their excellence. Dr Aarti Bairwa, Senior Scientist Dr Ashwani K Sharma, Dr Sanjeev Sharma (Incharge, Kufri Fagu Unit) and Dr Brijesh Singh (Head, Plant Protection) received appreciation certificates for producing PCN quarantine-free seed potatoes.

As part of the celebrations, schoolchildren from Shimla were given an educational tour of CPRI’s laboratories, where they learned about ongoing potato research. Agricultural equipment developed by the institute’s engineers was demonstrated and formally released for use by farmers across the country. An exhibition was also organised in collaboration with other ICAR institutes.