Govt's potato research institute allows tissue culture-based multiplication of 'Kufri Bahar' variety

The ICAR-CPRI has approved the resumption of tissue culture-based multiplication of the popular potato variety 'Kufri Bahar', enabling rapid production across the country.

Central government's potato research institute ICAR-CPRI on Monday approved the resumption of tissue culture-based multiplication of the widely-cultivated potato variety, 'Kufri Bahar', enabling its rapid production across the country.

The approval came from the funding management panel of Shimal-based ICAR-CPRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute.

The decision was taken during the annual meeting of the revolving fund management committee (RFSMC), chaired by Brajesh Singh, Director, CPRI.

Tissue culture technology enables the rapid production of disease-free and high-quality planting material, thereby making the seed production process more efficient and accelerated.

Singh, who is also the chairman of RFSMC, said the initiative is expected to ensure a substantial increase in the availability of quality seed material and assist in providing seeds to farmers in a timely manner.

He said the decision is very crucial, especially for farmers of Uttar Pradesh, where 'Kufri Bahar' is cultivated across more than 70 per cent of the total potato-growing area.

''This initiative will play a pivotal role in accelerating the seed multiplication process, enhancing the availability of quality planting material, and improving both farmer productivity and crop performance,'' he said.

Representatives from the institute's regional centres, including those from Modipuram, Gwalior, Jalandhar, Patna, Kufri-Fagu, Ooty, and Shillong, took part in the meeting and discussed potential opportunities to strengthen the potato seed production network.

Besides, issues related to enhancing the efficiency of seed production and further fortifying the potato seed supply chain were deliberated.