Members of Parliament from Odisha, Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi, and Patel Umeshbhai Babubhai visited the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla, emphasizing the need for developing potato varieties suitable for coastal and humid regions. These areas face unique climatic challenges that affect potato cultivation.
Parliamentary Committee Visit
The visit was part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing tour. It allowed members to understand and guide the institute's research activities, technological innovations, and contributions to the potato sector in India. The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Alok Kumar, Head of the Social Sciences Division, who highlighted the institute's role in advancing potato research and supporting farmers nationwide.
Research Highlights
Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Head of the Plant Protection Division, presented the institute's achievements in potato crop health management. He highlighted advances in disease diagnostics, integrated pest management, and scientific interventions aimed at improving crop productivity, sustainability, and seed quality. During the visit, the delegation toured the institute's laboratories, research facilities, and aeroponics units.
Dr. Tanuja Buckseth, Senior Scientist, explained that the aeroponic system enables large-scale production of high-quality mini-tubers under controlled conditions. This technology strengthens the country's seed production chain and ensures the availability of healthy planting material to farmers.
Export and Seed Quality Discussions
Patel discussed prospects for enhancing potato exports from India, seeking information on quality standards, processing varieties, and strategies to improve competitiveness in international markets. Scientists highlighted the importance of quality seed production, improved storage infrastructure, and value addition in boosting exports and increasing farmers' profitability.
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.
