The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla recently held a comprehensive one-day training program focused on “Seed Potato Cultivation and Its Storage”. This initiative was aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of officials from PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd., with an attendance of 49 officials eager to learn about best practices in seed potato cultivation and effective storage techniques.
The training program was designed with several key objectives in mind:
- Knowledge Enhancement: To provide participants with in-depth knowledge of the latest techniques and methodologies in seed potato cultivation.
- Storage Techniques: To educate officials on effective storage methods that maximize the shelf life and quality of seed potatoes.
- Sustainable Practices: To promote sustainable agricultural practices that align with PepsiCo’s commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
The training program included a series of informative sessions conducted by expert researchers and agronomists from CPRI. Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Brajesh Singh, the Director of CPRI, who shared valuable insights on the significance of seed potato cultivation and its impact on agricultural productivity.
Throughout the training, both CPRI and PepsiCo officials exchanged valuable insights about current potato cultivation practices. This collaboration allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector.
Additionally, PepsiCo took the opportunity to share the initiatives they are implementing for sustainability in their agricultural practices. This included discussions on responsible sourcing, reducing carbon footprints, and innovative practices aimed at ensuring a sustainable supply chain.
The training program organized by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute serves as a example to the growing collaboration between CPRI and the Corporates in potato business sector. Both organizations benefitted from the interactive sessions and had the opportunity to learn best practices in seed potato cultivation and storage. This is a wonderful example of how corporates and government training institutes can collaborate for the betterment of the potato farming community, fostering sustainable agricultural practices that ultimately benefit farmers and the environment alike.