Shimla: In a boost to India’s potato seed production system, the Revolving Fund Seed Management Committee (RFSMC) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) has approved the resumption of tissue culture-based multiplication of the widely cultivated potato variety ‘Kufri Bahar’.The decision is considered especially important for Uttar Pradesh, where ‘Kufri Bahar’ is grown in more than 70% of the potato cultivation area. Experts believe the initiative will strengthen the potato seed supply chain and accelerate seed multiplication.The decision was taken during the annual RFSMC meeting for 2026-27 held at the institute here on Monday. The meeting was chaired by CPRI director Dr Brajesh Singh, who described the move as a significant step towards strengthening the availability of quality potato seeds for farmers across the country.He said the decision was taken in response to the growing demand from farmers for high-quality planting material.The director explained that tissue culture technology enabled rapid multiplication of disease-free and superior-quality seed material, making the seed production process faster and more efficient. The initiative is expected to significantly improve the timely supply of quality seeds to farmers and enhance overall crop productivity, he added.The meeting also reviewed progress and challenges at the CPRI regional centres located in Modipuram, Gwalior, Jalandhar, Patna, Kufri-Fagu, Ooty and Shillong. Discussions were also held on potential opportunities to strengthen the potato seed production network.MSID:: 131310059 413 |
