The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) recently commemorated its 76th Foundation Day in Shimla. The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, also known as ICAR-CPRI Shimla, is India’s premier public non-profit potato research organization situated in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It operates as an autonomous institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of the Government of India.
Established in August 1949 in Patna, Bihar, CPRI was founded on the recommendation of the then Agricultural Advisor, with the goal of developing new potato varieties, expanding potato cultivation, and adapting cultivation techniques to local conditions. The institute relocated to Shimla in 1956 to facilitate hybridization work in potato breeding and to maintain the health of seed potatoes. It was transferred to ICAR in April 1966.
Mission and Impact
The mission of CPRI is to conduct research, education, and extension activities related to potatoes in collaboration with national and international partners, aiming to enhance productivity and profitability, achieve sustainable food and nutritional security, and alleviate rural poverty.
CPRI operates seven regional stations across the country, primarily focused on seed production, to address the need for location-specific potato research and extension activities. These stations are located in:
- Modipuram, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh)
- Jalandhar (Punjab)
- Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)
- Patna (Bihar)
- Shillong (Meghalaya)
- Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
- Kufri-Fagu Unit (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)
Seed Production and Contributions
The institute has established a robust seed production system, producing approximately 3,000 tonnes of breeder’s seed annually from around 521 hectares across its 15 units in the country. This breeder’s seed is supplied to the State Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture for further multiplication in three stages: Foundation-I, Foundation-II, and Certified Seed.
Potatoes represent a vital vegetable crop in India, contributing about 28% of the total vegetable production. India ranks as the second largest potato producer globally, following China, and accounts for approximately 15% of the world’s potato production. The institute has been a pioneer in developing the potato varities especially for the tropical and sub-tropical climate zones in India
CPRI’s efforts have positioned India as a major global player in potato production, having developed more than 70 potato varieties and pioneering aeroponic methods for the production of virus-free seed potatoes. Additionally, CPRI holds over 25 patents in the field.
The 76th Foundation Day of CPRI Shimla not only marks its historical significance but also reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing potato research and supporting farmers in India.
