India to Get New Potato Varieties as ITC & Scottish Inst. Ties-Up

Technico Agri Sciences, an agri-biotech company owned by diversified Indian conglomerate- ITC, has tied up with Scotland based James Hutton Institute to bring in 16 varieties and 600 clones of potato to India. 

These varieties promise to benefit Indian farmers, the potato processing industry as well as help in the potato exports from the county. They are expected to improve yields by 15-20% and will undergo trials and evaluation to identify varieties suitable for cultivation in different States.  

These Exports and Processing will help to improve farm gate prices and manage crop surpluses. Thus, it will enhance farmer’s income by better realisation.  

The company in a statement said that, “This agreement signed in a function at Chandigarh would be for five years. These varieties are expected to benefit Indian potato farmers, particularly in the States of UP, MP, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar.”  

Technico Agri Sciences Limited (a 100 per cent subsidiary of ITC Ltd) is involved in the business of producing and selling 'early generation' high vigour seed potato.  

Dr Jonathan Snape, Head of James Hutton Limited said, “Our mission is to be at the forefront of innovative and transformative science for sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources that supports thriving communities. Since potato farming provides livelihood to a significant section of India’s agricultural community, we are hopeful that our tie-up with Technico will help these communities effectively.”  

Andrew Ayre, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh said, “Agri-tech is a key area of bilateral co-operation and core UK strength. I am delighted that this partnership will improve farmer incomes and bring more choice to consumers.”  

Sachid Madan, Chief Executive of Technico Agri Sciences stated, “Technico has been engaging extensively with farmers and processors across different geographies to help improve farm yield in potatoes significantly. The improvement in yields along with better prices for such varieties has contributed to the doubling of farmers’ income and has also facilitated exports and processing.”