Ludhiana: PAU develops 2 new varieties of potato

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 22

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has expanded its research focus and included genetic improvement of the potato crop. The university has unveiled two new potato varieties, Punjab Potato 101 and Punjab Potato 102.

PAU’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal said it is anticipated that the newly developed potato varieties would substantially benefit state’s potato growers by improving yields, thereby enhancing farmers’ incomes.

He underscored the state’s crucial position as the 6th largest contributor to national potato production, generating over 3.0 million tonnes annually from 1.07 lakh hectares of land. He acknowledged Punjab’s key role as the major disease-free seed producer, meeting 90% of the country’s total disease-free seed potato requirement. In doing so, he emphasised the potato’s vital role as a cash crop, significantly enhancing farm income, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring food security for the state.

Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, shared insights into the university’s innovative potato breeding program initiated in 2016. He said that after years of unwavering dedication, Dr Sat Pal Sharma and his team achieved a significant breakthrough in 2023. For the first time since its inception, PAU introduced two high-yield potato varieties, Punjab Potato 101 and Punjab Potato 102, distinguished by their white and light yellow flesh, respectively. Both varieties are deemed suitable for main-season cultivation, Dr Dhatt added.

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