In a focused effort to enhance potato knowledge, a group of farmers from Bihar, India’s third-largest potato-producing state, recently traveled to Shimla to participate in a specialized training program. Hosted by the prestigious Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) under the auspices of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) project, the program aimed to equip farmers from the Kishanganj district with cutting-edge knowledge and techniques to significantly increase their income derived from potato cultivation.
The training placed a strong emphasis on moving beyond traditional farming by exploring avenues of potato processing and value addition. Dr. Jagdev Sharma, the Acting Director of CPRI, addressed the farmers, highlighting the substantial potential for increased revenue. He strongly advised the cultivation of specific potato varieties that are well-suited for processing into popular consumer products like potato chips and french fries. Dr. Sharma emphasized that transforming raw potatoes through processing significantly enhances their market value, directly benefiting the farmers’ bottom line.
The comprehensive curriculum was delivered by a team of expert scientists from CPRI. Participants received in-depth knowledge on a wide array of critical topics essential for modern potato farming. Scientists including Dr. Vinod Kumar, Dr. Anil Chaudhary, Dr. Sanjay Rawal, Dr. Tanuja Bakseth, and Dr. Ashwani Sharma shared insights on selecting the most suitable food and seed potato varieties tailored to Bihar’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. Key sessions covered vital aspects such as effective nutrient management, the benefits and implementation of micro-irrigation systems for efficient water use, optimal water management practices, and techniques for organic potato production. Furthermore, the training detailed the intricacies of establishing a reliable potato seed production system, ensuring farmers have access to high-quality seed potatoes – a cornerstone of successful yields.
Recognizing that crop protection is paramount, the program dedicated significant time to addressing common threats. Specialists Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Dr. Vinay Sagar, Dr. Kailash Chand Naga, and Dr. Aarti Bairwa educated the farmers on identifying and managing prevalent fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases that affect potato crops. They also provided strategies for controlling damaging insect pests and nematodes, which can severely impact harvests.
Beyond theoretical sessions, the program included practical, hands-on learning experiences. The farmers from Kishanganj visited CPRI’s research farms located in Kufri and Fagu. These field visits provided invaluable firsthand exposure to advanced potato processing technologies and the methodologies employed in modern seed potato production, allowing farmers to see the techniques learned in the classroom applied in a real-world setting.
Guidance was also provided by Dr. Somdutt Sukhwinder Singh and Dr. Alok Kumar, the Head of CPRI’s Social Sciences Department, ensuring a holistic approach to the training. This initiative exemplifies a successful collaboration between a leading research institution and the farming community, facilitated by the ATMA project, aiming to translate scientific advancements into tangible economic benefits for farmers. By adopting these improved cultivation practices, focusing on processing-suitable varieties, and implementing effective crop management strategies learned at CPRI, these Bihar farmers are now better equipped to enhance their potato yields, improve crop quality, and achieve greater financial success.
