Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said alternative sources of income should be made available to the farmers in view of the changing climatic conditions. He stressed the need to establish a potato based industry in the State. He was addressing on the 76th Foundation Day of the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, as the chief guest.
He said that diversification of crops could prove to be fruitful to ensure food and nutrition security for the growing population of the country. He said that potato was the major vegetable crop of India which contributes about 28 per cent of the total vegetable production. He said that India was the second largest potato producer in the world after China and accounting for about 15 percent of the global potato production. During the year 2022-23, India reached a record high of over Rs. 20 billion in the export value of potato, he added.
The Governor said that potato crop was cultivated in about 14000 hectare area in Himachal, producing approximately two lakh tonnes of crop. Though less than the national average, yet it good and unmatched quality, it generates good income for farmers. He congratulated the institute for developing blight-resistant potato varieties like Kufri Himalini, Kufri Girdhari and Kufri Karan.
Shukla said that due to the research work and adoption of modern techniques by the institute, India was listed as a major producer of potato in the world. He said that during the last seven decades, there has been unprecedented progress in the area and production of potato.
He also congratulated the Institute for developing more than 70 varieties and developing aeroponic methods for production of virus-free seed potatoes. He appreciated the efforts of the Institute for the conservation of physical wealth of species and techniques. He also congratulated the Institute for obtaining more than 25 patents. He expressed concern over the decreasing interest of farmers towards potato in the State in the last few years and urged the scientists to find out various problems related to it through research.
The Governor awarded the outstanding personnel of ICAR-CPRI Shimla on the occasion. He also presented the North India Sports Competition Award to the employees of the Institute. He distributed agricultural equipment to the farmers on the occasion.
Surender Chauhan Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla emphasized on strengthening the rural economy by providing technology for potato production and development of related products.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board welcomed the Governor. Earlier, Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, welcomed the Governor and felicitated him. He apprised the Governor about the achievements of the Institute.
Dr. Alok Kumar, Head, Division of Social Sciences presented a vote of thanks. Scientists of CPRI Shimla, progressive farmers and students of Auckland School were also present on the occasion.
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