Farmers from Odisha recently went on an important trip to Shimla to learn new ways to grow potatoes. Their goal was to learn advanced techniques at the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) to double their income and bring more success to farming in their home state.

Even though Odisha has good land, potato farmers there have struggled. They’ve faced problems like low yields from old farming methods, lots of pests and diseases, and not knowing enough about modern farming. Prices for potatoes go up and down, good seeds are hard to get, and a lot of their harvest is lost after picking. This makes it hard for them to make a good profit. They also haven’t known much about farming methods that work well with different weather, which is a big issue in a place with changing weather.

To help with these ongoing issues, CPRI in Shimla, a top potato research center, held a three-day training program from July 9th to 11th. This teamwork shows that sharing knowledge and skills across different places is key for farming to grow sustainably. Twenty-seven farmers from various parts of Odisha, including Berhampur and Ganjam, joined in, showing they’re ready to learn and solve their old problems.

The training at CPRI was carefully planned to teach everything about modern potato farming. Farmers learned about new potato types that produce more and resist diseases better, which should really boost their output. A key part of the program focused on managing pests naturally, using methods that cut down on harmful chemicals. This means healthier potatoes and a healthier environment.

A main focus of the training was on micro-irrigation systems, which are a big help in places where water is scarce. By learning and using these efficient watering methods, farmers can use less water, waste less, and make sure their crops get enough moisture. This leads to better harvests even when the weather is tough. They also learned how to produce good quality seeds, manage nutrients for healthy plants, and store their harvest well. Storing crops properly is super important because it helps farmers avoid losing money after harvest and lets them sell their potatoes when prices are good.

Dr. Brajesh Singh, the Director of CPRI, started the program and spoke about how much good this training could do. He said that if these new techniques are used in Odisha, potato yields could double and farmers would earn a lot more. Dr. Alok Kumar, a main scientist in Social Science at the institute, agreed, highlighting the potential for farmers from Odisha to get better yields and income.

The teamwork wasn’t just about learning in a classroom. The training included hands-on demonstrations and discussions, letting farmers talk directly with experts from CPRI. This practical approach made sure that what they learned wasn’t just theory but could be used directly in their own farms. Many experienced scientists and engineers from CPRI, like Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Dr. Vinod Kumar, and Engineer Subravind Jaiswal, were there to share their deep knowledge with the farmers.

This effort by CPRI and the active participation of farmers from Odisha offer a lot of hope for the state’s farming sector. By adopting modern methods, practicing sustainable farming, and working together, Odisha’s potato farmers are now better prepared to turn their problems into opportunities. The journey from the hills of Shimla to the fields of Odisha is more than just sharing information; it proves that working together can lead to a brighter, more successful future for Indian agriculture.