The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla is set to produce 600 quintals of high-quality potato breeder seeds for distribution to various states in India.
- These breeder seeds will enable states to generate 3,000 quintals of seeds for farmers to use for planting.
- CPRI will offer training to state agricultural officers on safeguarding potato seeds from cyst nematode disease.
- Initially, training sessions will focus on Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, followed by sessions in Sikkim, Manipur, and Andhra Pradesh.
- In 2018, cyst nematode disease was discovered in potatoes from government farms in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, leading to a suspension of seed production at CPRI Shimla.
- Following successful treatment development, the central government has permitted the resumption of seed preparation for varieties like Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Himalini, Kufri Girdhari, and Kufri Karan at Kufri and Fagu farms this year.
- The seed preparation process, initiated between April and May, will be completed in five months, with seeds ready for distribution to states by November.
- Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Principal Scientist at CPRI, has confirmed the availability of seeds by November.
- To prevent cyst nematode disease, post-harvest seeds need to be soaked in a 2% sodium hypochlorite solution for 30 minutes, rinsed, dried in shade, and stored.
- This process maintains seed quality and germination capacity, with the solution being reusable up to 12 times.
- CPRI will conduct a one-day training session for officers from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir in July to further this initiative.
