The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) observed its 76th Foundation Day in Shimla. Addressing the gathering, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla suggested that alternative sources of income should be made available to the farmers amid changing climatic conditions. He took the opportunity to underline the need to establish a potato-based industry in the state.
Shukla said diversification of crops could prove to be fruitful in ensuring food and nutrition security for the growing population of the country. Potato is a major vegetable crop in the country, accounting for approximately 28 per cent of the total vegetable production. India is the second largest potato producer in the world after China, and accounts for about 15 per cent of the global potato production.
The governor pointed out that potato crop was cultivated in about 14,000 hectares area in Himachal, producing around two lakh tonnes of potatoes. Though the production is less than the national average, still due to its good and unmatched quality, it generates good income for farmers.
Shukla congratulated the institute for developing blight-resistant potato varieties like Kufri Himalini, Kufri Girdhari and Kufri Karan. He also lauded the institute for developing more than 70 varieties and developing aeroponic methods for the production of virus-free seed potatoes.
He said that due to the research work and adoption of modern techniques by the institute, India was listed as a major producer of potatoes in the world. During the last seven decades, there has been unprecedented progress in the area and production of potatoes.
