A separate policy on potato and introduction of public-private partnership (PPP) model are required to address the problem of seed shortage faced by farmers, experts said here on Monday.
“There is a need to have a separate policy on potato as it is one commodity which is consumed by all people,” agri business expert Vijay Sardana said, adding that such a policy would help increase the processing level as well as farmers’ income. Sardana was participating at a meet here which sought the views of experts and industry for the India International Potato Exhibition slated for January next year in Kolkata. The exhibition will be organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Union horticulture commissioner M L Choudhary suggested that the conference, which is planned during the three-day event, should discuss how to make available seeds to growers [More on this conference]. India requires 2.5 million tonnes of potato seeds for the estimated annual output of 27 million tonnes, an expert said, adding only less than 10% of the demand is met.
“There is a need to have a separate policy on potato as it is one commodity which is consumed by all people,” agri business expert Vijay Sardana said, adding that such a policy would help increase the processing level as well as farmers’ income. Sardana was participating at a meet here which sought the views of experts and industry for the India International Potato Exhibition slated for January next year in Kolkata. The exhibition will be organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Union horticulture commissioner M L Choudhary suggested that the conference, which is planned during the three-day event, should discuss how to make available seeds to growers [More on this conference]. India requires 2.5 million tonnes of potato seeds for the estimated annual output of 27 million tonnes, an expert said, adding only less than 10% of the demand is met.
