Shimla : Members of Parliament (MP) from Odhisha Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi and Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai visited the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla and emphasised the need for developing potato varieties suitable for coastal and humid regions, where cultivation faces unique climatic challenges.
Their visit was part of the tour of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing. The visit provided an opportunity for the members to understand and guide the institute’s research activities, technological innovations and contributions to the development of the potato sector in India.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr Alok Kumar, Head, Social Sciences Division, who highlighted the institute’s role in advancing potato research and supporting farmers across the country.
Dr Sanjeev Sharma, Head, Plant Protection Division, presented the institute’s achievements, particularly in potato crop health management and highlighted advances in disease diagnostics, integrated pest management and scientific interventions aimed at improving crop productivity, sustainability and seed quality.
During the visit, they visited the institute’s laboratories, research facilities and aeroponics units. They were particularly impressed by the aeroponics technology developed and promoted by ICAR-CPRI for the rapid multiplication of disease-free potato seed.
Dr Tanuja Buckseth, Sr Scientist explained that the aeroponic system enables large-scale production of high-quality mini-tubers under controlled conditions, thereby strengthening the country’s seed production chain and ensuring the availability of healthy planting material to farmers.
Patel discussed the prospects of enhancing potato exports from India and sought information on quality standards, processing varieties and strategies to improve the competitiveness of Indian potatoes in international markets.
Scientists highlighted the importance of quality seed production, improved storage infrastructure and value addition in boosting exports and increasing farmers’ profitability.
Similarly, Panigrahi deliberated on the growing demand for quality potato seed in the country. The delegation reviewed the institute’s efforts to meet national seed requirements through advanced seed production technologies.
Discussions also focused on the Seed Plot Technique developed by ICAR-CPRI, which enables farmers to produce healthy seed potatoes in non-traditional seed-growing regions, thereby reducing production costs and improving local seed availability.
