The Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) has recommended 11 new potato varieties for commercial cultivation in Pakistan.

The committee met on Monday August 22 in Islamabad at Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) with Chairman PARC Muhammad Ayub Chaudhry in the chair and approved of the potato varieties for commercial cultivation.

Twenty four potato varieties were presented before the committee for approval, out of which 11 varieties were recommended for commercial cultivation in Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PARC highlighted the role of PARC in the process of variety evaluation and its release.

He also emphasized that the private sector should share knowledge with PARC scientists for the uplift of country's agriculture sector.

The Chairman, PARC appreciated the role of PARC coordination and trust of people in the system and urged the importance of self-sufficiency in local production of seed potatoes to reduce the import volume along-with value addition.

Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, Member, Plant Sciences Division, appreciated the trend of local research and contribution of private seed companies in the seed sector of the country.

He enlightened the aim of VEC for providing the quality seed potatoes to the growers and informed that about twenty four potato varieties were presented, out of which 11 varieties were recommended for commercial cultivation in the country.

Members of VEC also appreciated the role PARC and Coordinator in particular for convening 3rd VEC meeting and appreciated his interest in research and development.
 

Four HZPC varieties approved

Bari Traders, the representatives of HZPC in Pakistan informed PotatoPro that four HZPC varieties were among the 11 new varieties approved: Sababa, Alverstone Russet, Hermosa and Allison.
 

Alverstone Russet

Allison