India: Uttar Pradesh to boost potato farming with new research centres
The Uttar Pradesh government is advancing potato crop development with an International Potato Research Centre in Agra and Centres of Excellence in Saharanpur and Kushinagar.
Uttar Pradesh leads India in potato production, contributing over 35% to the national yield. The state’s productivity surpasses the national average of 23 to 25 tons per hectare, yet challenges persist, particularly in region-specific research adapted to UP’s agro-climatic conditions. Existing research often does not reach farmers efficiently.
The National Potato Research Centre is located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with regional centres in Meerut and Patna. This setup results in slow research transfer to farmers, who also face seed shortages during sowing, often reusing stored potatoes. To address these issues, the Yogi government plans to establish a branch of the International Potato Research Institute based in Lima, Peru, in Agra. This initiative aims to benefit potato farmers by providing access to research, seed varieties, and modern techniques.
About 75% of UP’s potato production comes from districts in western UP, including Meerut, Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Moradabad, and Bareilly. The Agra research center is expected to benefit these farmers by offering advanced research and innovation. Additionally, Excellence Centers in Saharanpur and Kushinagar will support potato farmers in both western and eastern UP by providing improved knowledge, seed varieties, and farming techniques.
Dr. SP Singh from Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Gorakhpur mentioned that these centres will educate farmers on heat-resistant potato varieties with high yields in shorter periods. "With locally available seeds during the sowing season, farmers can plant varieties that align with market demand, potentially increasing their income," he noted. Varieties like Kufri Neelkanth and Kufri Shaurya are in demand but face seed availability issues. Research institutes will address these, ensuring access to suitable seeds for better production.
Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of superior seed varieties and modern technology alongside agricultural climate and soil conditions. European countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and New Zealand achieve 38 to 44 metric tons per hectare. He emphasized the potential to increase yields further with new varieties and advanced technologies, crucial for UP to meet domestic consumption and export demands. "The government is actively working on this front," he stated.
Fuente: uniindia.com
