ICAR DG urges to increase potato production

SHIMLA: Indian Council of Agricultural Research DG, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, has urged scientists to focus on farmer based research to increase the production and productivity of potato in India. While participating in the celebration of 68^th Foundation Day of Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla, Mohaptra said India must be the torch bearer in potato development for the world.

Dr. Mohapatra was accompanied by Dr. A.K. Singh, DDG (Extn. & Hort.) ICAR, Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Agriculture & Horticulture Commissioner GOI & Dr. T. Janakiram ADG (Hort. Sci.) ICAR, New Delhi as Guests of Honour alongwith Sh. Sanjay Chauhan, Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Shimla as special guest.

Dr. AK Singh while highlighting the CPRI research work suggested that the Institute must work hard to bring out the varieties and storage technology improvement. He also advised that KVKs may be rope in to quality seed production. On this occasion, Dr. SK Malhotra spoke about Food and nutritional security through potato production and utilization of ever increasing population of the country. Dr. T Janakiram emphasized over the development of climate resilient potato varieties to ensure the quality potato seed production and processing priority.

Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI),Shimla celebrated its 68th Foundation Day Today. Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Education & Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi graced this occasion as the Chief Guest. On the foundation day lecture he emphasized on “Farmer based research to increase the production and productivity and India must be the torch bearer in potato development for the world and congratulated the Director and staff of CPRI, Shimla.