Dimapur, Dec. 18 (EMN): With the initiative of FOCUS-IFAD project and support from International Potato Center (CIP) India, the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) undertook a three-day training-cum-exposure trip for officers and farmers to Potato Technology Center in Karnal, Haryana, from December 15 to the 17th.
The main objective of the programme was to learn about advanced cultivation practice of potato adopted in the state of Haryana, to learn about new and economic viable potato varieties best suited to the state, to familiarise with new technology particularly the apical rooted cuttings (ARC) technology introduced by CIP and practice by potato farmers of Haryana, and to witness the field practice of low-cost potato seeds production.
During the three days field visit, the team had interactions with different progressive potato farmers, entrepreneurs on potato seed production of different generations G-0 to G-3 from basic seeds (minitubers) and further on potato farming of processing varieties and how it has benefited the farmers and enhanced their income. The team also visited FPO potato pack house in Chhapra, Kurukshetra, and observed the process of cleaning, grating, sorting and storing of potato, stated an update from FOCUS-IFAD project.
The team had a special session with Dr. Arjun Singh Saini, director general Horticulture, government of Haryana, who briefed about the potato technology centre (PTC) and CIP activities of potato in Haryana. He encouraged the team members to be dedicated and innovative in order to bring changes through farming activities.
The team also visited breeder, foundation, certified and truthful seed production in open fields at PTC farm, testing and multiplication of CIP bio-fortified potato varieties rich in iron and zinc, heat tolerant and virus resistant clones and CIP variety YusiMaap –a highly resistant to late blight recommended for NE Hills.
The team further visited Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Indo-Israel Project, Gharaunda, on protected cultivation of high-quality vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, brinjal, chilli, and capsicum which are grown round the year in high-tech poly houses, naturally ventilated poly houses, walk-in tunnels with controlled climate and provisions for micro along with drip irrigation for unseasonal crop cultivation and high yielding
Dr. Mohinder Kadian and Dr. Pooja Pandey guided the team members throughout the programme.
Altogether, 22 participants led by the joint secretary and FOCUS state project director, S Tainiu, along with four officials from FAO, one each from Horticulture and Agriculture departments, one FOCUS project officer and 14 farmers from eight project implementing districts participated in the programme.