Pioneering Seed BreedingTechniques to Address Seed Challenges and Enhance Productivity in Farrukhabad and Uttar Pradesh.
Rashid Raza from Farrukhabad Reports.
In the heart of Farrukhabad District, Uttar Pradesh, a significant advancement in potato cultivation is taking place at Rahul Biotech, a leading seed breeder located in the village of Singhirampur, in Kamalganj Block in Farrukhabad District of Uttar Pradesh State. As the sole producer of potato seeds using tissue culture and aeroponics techniques in the Kanpur region, Rahul Biotech is at the forefront of addressing the pressing challenges faced by local potato farmers. Notably, the seeds produced here are gaining popularity not only among farmers in Uttar Pradesh but also in other states across India.
Currently, a drive is being organized by Rahul Biotech at Powayan to disseminate information on potato seed quality and its importance. The area of Powayan, often referred to as the “Mini Punjab” of Uttar Pradesh due to its substantial Sikh population, serves as a hub for potato cultivation. In efforts to educate local farmers on the critical importance of quality potato seeds, Rahul Biotech organizes meetings that attract 100 to 150 farmers. These gatherings focus on the major variety cultivated in the region, while emphasizing the challenges of seed traceability and quality assurance.
Rahul Pal, the visionary behind Rahul Biotech, possesses extensive expertise in potato cultivation. His experience spans across several years working at the National Agriculture Research Institute in Africa, where he gained valuable insights into the various viruses affecting potato crops. This experience equipped him with essential knowledge in techniques such as in vitro plant propagation, tissue culture, greenhouse management, and aeroponics for seed breeding.
Upon returning to India in 2015, Rahul recognized that his native village faced similar issues with potato seeds. With a family background in potato cultivation, he quickly understood the difficulties farmers were encountering. Many local farmers had been using the same tubers as seeds for years, resulting in a decline in potato crop productivity. In response to this pressing issue, Rahul commissioned a tissue culture lab at Singhirampur in Farrukhabad, allowing for the sourcing of in vitro micro plants from the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla. These plants arecultivated in the lab to produce G0 (mini tuber) and G3 (foundation) generation seeds. These initial generation seeds are distributed to farmers for further propogation. In the current year Rahul Biotech has grown approximately 2 Lac micro plants to be further breeded into minitubers.
Through the innovative use of aeroponics technology, Rahul Biotech is breeding approximately 40 varieties of potatoes at its facility, fostering a new era of seed production. The initiative not only aims to enhance seed quality but also encourages progressive farmers in and around Farrukhabad to adopt these advanced techniques by producing their own seeds. The emphasis on the significance of seeds in potato cultivation is pivotal, as it lays the foundation for improved yield and sustainability in farming practices.
By empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, Rahul Biotech is fostering a community of informed growers who are increasingly recognizing the value of high-quality potato seeds. The transition to producing seeds through mini tubers not only enhances productivity but also builds a more reliable supply chain for the local agricultural economy.
The work being done at Rahul Biotech is not merely a local endeavor; it is a significant contribution to the broader agricultural landscape in Uttar Pradesh. By pioneering modern seed breeding techniques and focusing on the challenges faced by potato farmers, Rahul Biotech is setting a new standard for seed quality and cultivation practices in the region.
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A Report by Rashid Raza from Farukkhabad
