Government of Madhya Pradesh committed to provide certified seed to potato farmers

Agrinnovate India Ltd., the commercial wing of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi granted the Licence to the Department of Horticulture & Food Processing, Government of Madhya Pradesh for the "Aeroponic Method for Virus-free Potato Seed Production" here at New Delhi. The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh has developed the unique technology of Aeroponic Potato Seed Production.

The Chief Guest, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare asserted on the Central Government’s dedication to ensure the timely supply of the quality and certified seeds to the farmers. To achieve the targets, Shri Tomar stated that, the ICAR Institutes develop the technologies for their respective areas.

The Union Minister applauded the unique Potato Seeds Production Technology through the Aeroponic Method by the ICAR-CPRI, Shimla’s Scientists that has helped to sustain the supply of Potato’s Seeds to the distant farmers of the country.

Shri Tomar emphasized that the technology will play a pivotal role in sustaining the requirements of the Potato Seeds not only in the State; but, also in enhancing its production at the national level as well. He regarded the Potato as the world's most important non-cereal crop, which has an important role in the global food system.

The Union Minister complimented the Agricultural Scientists for outstanding researches. The Union Minister also asserted on the Central Government’s commitment to work on the mission mode for realizing the various Schemes launched by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for the overall development of the agricultural sector of the country.

The Guest of Honor, Shri Bharat Singh Kushwaha, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Horticulture & Food Processing Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh hoped that the latest and unique technology will help to meet the requirements of Potato Seeds and enhance its production in the State.

Mentioning Madhya Pradesh as the 6th Largest Potato Producing State of the country, Shri Kushwaha underlined the significant role played by Malwa in the Potato production. The Minister stated that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as an ideal destination State for Potato Processing in the country.

He also underlined that Indore district area alone is contributing for around 30% Potato production of the State. The Minister accentuated that the Licensing will play a crucial role in helping the farmers in the Potato Crops’ production to a large extent.

Shri E. Ramesh Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, Horticulture & Food Processing Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh stated that the technology having the production capacity of 1 Million Mini Tubers will help to meet the State’s Seed requirement of about 4 Lakhs Tonnes.

Shri E. Ramesh Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner, Horticulture & Food Processing Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh:
 

"The Potato Seed enriched with the traits of processing will help to enhance the Potato Processing Industry in the States."

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Anand Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Science), ICAR along with Dr. N.K. Pandey, Director, ICAR-CPRI, Shimla and Dr. Sudha Mysore, C.E.O., AgrInnovate India Ltd. also deliberated during the occasion.

The nutrients are sprayed into the roots in the form of misting through the Aeroponic. The Plant’s upper part remains in the open air and light. An average of 35 to 60 Mini Tubers (3 to 10 Grams) are obtained from one plant.

Since, soil is not being used, there are no soil diseases and the Aeroponic System saves 2 Years in the development of breeder seed as compared to the conventional system. To ensure the Potato Seed’s availability, the Technology has been commercialized with 20 Firms in 8 States.