National Symposium on Harnessing Potato Innovations, Diversity for Food and Nutritional Security organized

The inaugural ceremony of the 3-day National Symposium on 'Harnessing Potato Innovations, Diversity for Food and Nutritional Security' was organised at the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station in Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The event celebrated key milestones, including the 75th anniversary of ICAR-CPRI and the 50th anniversary of the Indian Potato Association (IPA). The event brought together distinguished dignitaries, scientists, industry experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies in potato research and production.

The Chief Guest, and Padma Bhushan Dr R.B. Singh, Former Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, emphasized the pivotal role of potatoes in ensuring food security and discussed innovative approaches such as blockchain management, biostimulants, and precision farming to address future challenges in the potato sector.

Dr S.K. Malhotra, Vice-Chancellor, Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, spoke about increasing potato productivity in the era of climate change. He highlighted the role of natural farming, biostimulants, precision farming, processing industries, and irrigation systems in enhancing the potato value chain.

Dr Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR, stressed the importance of utilizing potato waste for biofuel production and emphasized post-harvest management, cold storage facilities, and sustainable practices to enhance the sector's efficiency.

Dr Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General (Flowers, Vegetables, Spices, and Medicinal Plants), ICAR, highlighted the significance of the symposium in addressing critical challenges in the potato sector. He emphasized the need to utilize innovations and diversity to achieve sustainability and resilience in potato farming.

Dr Brajesh Singh, Director, ICAR-CPRI and President, IPA, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure food and nutritional security through innovative approaches in potato science.

Dr Birpal Singh, Former Director, ICAR-CPRI, briefed about the pressing challenges faced by the potato sector, including disease management and sustainable practices. He emphasized the need for advanced research and development to address these challenges effectively and ensure growth in the potato industry.

Six significant publications reflecting the dedication and innovation of researchers in the field of potato science were released while the dignitaries inaugurated the potato technology exhibition. 

The symposium concluded with a keynote address by Chief Guest, Dr P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. He stressed on diversified utilization of potato crop. 

A total of 275 participants attended the programme.

(Source: ICAR- Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station, Modipuram, Meerut)