Profile 3rd Proof final-2016 · 2020-02-29 · 2 ICAR-Center Potato Research Institute A Profile - 2016 JOURNEY OF POTATO Potato is not a native of India. It originated about 8000

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A Profile - 2016 ICAR-Center Potato Research Institute

THE CROP

Potato is a carbohydrate-rich, but low fat food crop grown in nearly 150 countries and is

consumed by over one billion people world over. It is a high yielding, short duration

crop and up to 80% of its dry matter can be harvested as edible nutritious food. On dry

weight basis, the protein content of potato is similar to that of cereals and the quality of

potato protein is comparable to that of milk. Potato is a rich source of vitamin C and

moderate source of iron, vitamins B1, B3, B6, folate, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and

minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. It also contains dietary

antioxidants, which may play a part in preventing disease related to ageing, and dietary

fibre, which benefits health. The Glycemic Index (a measure of the effects of

carbohydrates on blood sugar) of boiled potato is 56 (medium) compared to 58 in white

rice and 71 in white bread. Therefore, it is a misconception that potato causes obesity

and is forbidden for diabetic patient.

Potato has the physiological potential to yield about 120 tonnes per hectare. Due to high

protein calorie ratio and short vegetative cycle, potatoes yield substantially more edible

energy, protein and dry matter per unit area and time than many other crops. In India,

potato can be grown as mixed, inter, relay or sequential crop. It is grown in kharif

(plateau), early autumn, main rabi and spring, summer or all the year round in different

parts of India. The crop can be harvested 65 days after planting or may be allowed to

grow for 100-110 days depending on the cropping system.

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A Profile - 2016ICAR-Center Potato Research Institute

JOURNEY OF POTATO

Potato is not a native of India. It originated about 8000 years ago near Lake Titicaca on

the border between Bolivia and Peru in the Andes hills of South America. To the thAndeans and later to the Incas, it was known as papa. By the 16 century, potato was

thintroduced into European countries by Spanish conquerors and by 18 century potato

was regarded as principal source of food in Europe. In India, potato was introduced in th

the early 17 century most probably by the Portuguese.

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A Profile - 2016

stPotato research in India formally began on 1 April, 1935 with the opening of three

breeding and seed production stations at Shimla, Kufri (both Shimla hills) and Bhowali

(Kumaon hills), under the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. In 1945,

a scheme for the establishment of Central Potato Research Institute was drawn up

under the guidance of the then Agriculture Advisor to the Government of India,

Sir Herbert Steward and Sir Pheroz M. Kharegat, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.

HISTORY

Old building of CPRI at Kufri

ADVANCE OF POTATO IN INDIA

The area, production and yield of potato in 1949-50 was only 0.234 million ha, 1.54

million metric tonnes and 6.59 t/ha, respectively. Averaged over last three year (2010-11

to 2012-13), the country produced 43.05 million tonnes of potatoes from an area of 1.92

million ha with an average yield of 22.4 t/ha.

The annual compound growth rates (ACGRs) of potato for increase in area and

production during the period 1980-90; 1990-2000 and 2000-2010 were the highest

among the major food crops in India. This phenomenal increase in potato

productivity and production

has been termed as “Brown

Revolution” that placed India as

the second ma jor pota to

producer in the world only

behind China. Moreover, potato

yield in India is higher than

many major potato producing

countries like China and Russia.

Currently, India contributes

nearly 12% of total potato

production in the world.

ICAR-Center Potato Research InstituteICAR-Center Potato Research Institute

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A Profile - 2016

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

ICAR-CPRI comes under the Division of Horticultural Science of ICAR. The Division is

headed by Deputy Director General (Horticultural Science), who reports to the Director

General of ICAR. The institute is headed by a Director who is the overall in-charge of the

activities related to research, education, extension and administration. The Director is

assisted by one Joint Director posted at CPRI Campus, Modipuram, six Heads of the

Divisions, viz. Divisions of Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Plant Protection,

Seed Technology, Crop Physiology, Biochemistry and Post Harvest Technology and

Social Sciences and Six Heads of Regional Stations.

Dr. B. P. Pal, Dr. S. Ramanujam, Dr. Pushkarnath, and Dr. R.S. Vasudeva participated in

the formulation of the scheme and in establishment of the institute. Dr. S. Ramanujam,

who was then working as Second Economic Botanist at IARI, was appointed as an

Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for implementing the scheme in 1946. The institute was

established in August 1949 at Patna and started functioning from an old single-storey,

barrack-type building provided by the Government of Bihar. Three small units under

the IARI looking after potato, namely Potato Breeding Station at Shimla, Seed

Certification Station at Kufri, and Potato Multiplication Station at Bhowali were

merged with the newly created CPRI. The headquarter of the institute was shifted to

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh in 1956 in order to facilitate hybridization work and better

maintenance of seed health. The growth and development of potato in the country has

never looked back after that. India emerged as the global leader in the area of sub-

tropical potato production as a result of well-planned research effort that has been

supported and strengthened during successive five year plans. Potato production

jumped from mere 1.54 million tonnes from 0.23 million ha area in the year 1949-50 to

45.34 million tonnes from 1.99 million ha area during 2012-13, thus making India the

second largest potato producer in the world after China.

ICAR-Center Potato Research Institute

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A Profile - 2016

The research work conducted by the institute is reviewed every five years by a high

power Quinquennial Review Team (QRT). Besides, the annual progress of research

projects is critically analyzed by external reviewers of the Research Advisory

Committee (RAC) and internally by the Institute Research Council (IRC).

The institute has a Management Committee with 13 members including 4 scientists of

the institute, 3 representatives of State Agricultural Universities and State Agriculture/

Horticulture Department, 2 farmer’s representatives and 1 representative each of the

ICAR. The IMC meets 2-3 times in a year to review broad policy and financial matters of

the institute. Other committees like Institute Joint Staff Council (IJSC), Grievance Cell,

Post Graduate Committee, Publication Committee, Purchase Committee, Library

Committee, PME Cell, AKMU and Women Cell etc also assist in working of the institute.

The institute is situated in the heart of Shimla city, near Bemloe, which is

approximately 4 km from Shimla bus stand and 6 km from Shimla railway station on

the National Highway No.22. The seat of the institute is at an altitude of 2,000 metres

above mean sea level and has wet temperate climate. The annual precipitation is

about 1,500 mm out of which 1,252 mm is received as rainfall and rest as snowfall. The o ominimum and maximum temperatures during winter range from -2 C to 15 C

o owhereas, that during summer range from 18 C to 28 C, respectively. Kufri is situated

17 km away from Bemloe on Shimla-Rampur highway. Initially, the ICAR-CPRI had 3

research stations at Shimla, Kufri and Bhowali. Presently, it has 7 regional research

stations in different potato growing areas of the country. These are located in

different potato growing areas of the country, viz. Kufri-Fagu (HP), Modipuram

(UP), Jalandhar (Punjab), Gwalior (MP), Patna (Bihar), Shillong (Meghalaya), and

Ootacamund (Tamil Nadu).

THE HEADQUARTER AND IT’S REGIONAL STATIONS

ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla- 171001, Himachal Pradesh (Headquarter)o oYear of establishment: 1949; Area: 5.2 ha, Location: 31 N, 77 E; Altitude: 2000 m above msl;

o oTemperature range during crop season: 13.0 C- 28.8 C.


REGIONAL STATIONS

ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla 171001 Himachal Pradesh (Headquarter)

Year of establishment: 1949; Area: 5.2 ha0 Location: 31° N, 77 E; Altitude: 2000 m above msl;

oTemperature range during crop season: 13-28.8 C

ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Campus, Modipuram 250110 Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Year of establishment: 1971; Area: 153.8 haLocation: 29° N, 760 E; Altitude: 207 m above msl;

oTemperature range during crop season: 10.4-32.8 C

ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Gwalior 474006 Madhya Pradesh



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A Profile - 2016

ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Shillong 793009Meghalaya



ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Kufri-Fagu 171012 Himachal Pradesh



ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar 144003Punjab



ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Patna 801506 Bihar



ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Ootacamund 643004 Tamil Nadu




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A Profile - 2016

THE INFRASTRUCTURE

The institute created state-of-the-art laboratories for conducting basic and strategic

research in the field of biotechnology, genomics, genetics and plant breeding, plant

protection, soil science and agronomy, plant physiology, biochemistry, and post harvest

technology. All the laboratories function as central facility of the institute. The major

central laboratories are listed below:

This laboratory has been designated as the National

Active Germplasm Site for potato by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources,

New Delhi.

This laboratory, created in 1992, has

world-class facilities for transgenic research, DNA fingerprinting and molecular

breeding.

This laboratory was created in the

year 2009 and is equipped with world-class facilities for structural and functional

genomics like high throughput next generation sequencer, Ion-Proton system for Next

Generation Sequencing, microarray facility, Real Time PCR system, high capacity

computational facility etc.

Houses state-of-the-art facilities for somatic hybridization and

haploid development.

This laboratory is equipped with automated ELISA system, PCR

and NASH facilities. Because of its unique record in the field of virus diagnosis, this

laboratory has been notified by the Government of India as ‘Accredited Test Laboratory’ for

testing and certification of tissue culture raised potato microplants and minitubers.

The EM facility of the institute is working since 1980. A

new Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is the latest addition at CPRI for detection

and diagnosis of major potato viruses.

Created in 2011 for maintenance of pure virus culture.

The radio-tracer laboratory of the institute was created in 1996

for carrying out basic research on nutrient dynamics in soil and plant.

State-of-the-art facilities for component analysis

from soil and plant tissue.

World class facility for screening of genotypes under

controlled environment condition.

World class facility for analysis of remote sensing

and GIS data.

Tissue culture facilities for seed production is available at Shimla,

Modipuram, Jalandhar, Patna, Shillong and Ooty centres.

Aeroponic facility is available for disease free seed potato

production at Shimla, Jalandhar, Modipuram, Patna and Shillong.

Facilities for conducting basic research on processing attributes of

potato are available at Shimla, Kufri, Modipuram, Jalandhar, Patna and Shillong.

Facility for undertaking fundamental research

on potato storage is available at Shimla and Jalandhar.

Facility for proximate analysis.

Growth chambers for carrying out basic research on potato

biology.

Facilities have been created for nutritional analysis of

potato.

(i) National Germplasm Repository:

(ii) Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Laboratory:

(iii) Potato Genomics and Bio-informatics Laboratory:

(iv) Cell Biology Laboratory:

(v) Diagnostic Laboratory:

(vi) Electron Microscopy Laboratory:

(vii) Virus Culture Facility:

(viii) Radioisotope Laboratory:

(ix) Soil and Plant Analysis Laboratory:

(x) Late Blight Screening Facility:

(xi) Remote Sensing and GIS Laboratory:

(xii) Tissue Culture Facility:

(xiii) Aeroponic facilities:

(xiv) Mini-processing Plant:

(xv) Controlled Temperature Storage Facility:

(xvi) Biochemical Analysis Laboratory:

(xvii) Mini-phytotron Facility:

(xviii) Nutritional Analysis Facility:


Important Laboratories of CPRI, Shimla

Library and Documentation Centre

Experimental and Seed Production Farm Facilities

The ICAR-CPRI Library is the second largest

potato library in the world. It houses about

38,503 documents comprising of about

15,758 books, 15,164 back volumes of

journals, 2,616 serials, 2,228 annual reports,

582 theses, 251 standards, 51 maps/atlases,

1,663 reprints and 190 CDs. Besides, the

seven regional stations of ICAR-CPRI are

having their own libraries. These libraries have a collection of 29,212 documents. The

library at Shimla has complete collection of CABCD, AGRICOLA (NAL), AGRIS (FAO),

CDROM databases. Moreover, this library as partner of CERA (Consortium of

E-Resources in Agriculture) enjoyed the full text access to more than 3000 scientific

journals published from Annual Reviews, Springer Verlag, CSIRO, Elsevier, Taylor &

Frances, Nature and Indianjournals.com.

The institute has about 521 ha of farm area distributed over 15 units. It produces about

2,700 metric tonnes of beeder’s seed annually. India is the only country in Asia, other

than Japan, that has a well-established seed production programme.

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A Profile - 2016

Potato Washing and Grading Facility

Grading of potato is a necessary activity before storage and sale. A Grading and

Washing line has been installed at ICAR-CPRIC, Modipuram for this purpose.

Washing, drying and grading operations after harvest of potato can be easily done by

this machine. The equipment can handle 5 tonnes potatoes/hr.

Aerial view of seed production farm at CPRIC, Modipuram Seed production farms of CPRS, Kufri-Fagu

Potato Processing Plant at Kufri

The institute has a potato processing facility at CPRS, Kufri along with a sales outlet

named “Potato Park” near Cheeni Bangla in Kufri. Par-fried French Fries, Laccha and

Chips with the name ‘Golden Chips’ prepared in the processing plant and sold at Potato


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A Profile - 2016

Park of the institute. These products are being prepared from the processing varieties

developed by the Institute. Chips are prepared from the potato varieties viz. Kufri

Chipsona 1 and Kufri Chipsona 3 and French Fries from variety Kufri Frysona. This

effort is a step forward creating awareness among general masses about ICAR-CPRI in

the field of potato processing.

The institute promotes agribusiness through a Business Planning and Development

Unit located at ICAR-CPRS, Jalandhar (Punjab). The focus of this unit is to promote

technology based enterprises and value entrepreneurial spirit. Entrepreneur

development in potato agri-business by transfer of technology to individual corporate,

up-scaling these technologies into viable agri-business opportunities and imparting

consultancy and training for nurturing prospective entrepreneurs are the main

mandate of ICAR-CPRI-BPD Unit.

Business Planning and Development Unit (BPD Unit)

Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit (AKMU)

The institute has an AKM Unit that extends local area network (LAN) facility to all

scientists, administrative staff and major laboratories. A web server & application

server is installed & maintained by AKM Unit. National Knowledge Network (NKN)

connectivity is provided for internet facility at the institute. A gateway level firewall

with antivirus, anti spam & intrusion detection & prevention (IDP) modules have also

been installed.


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A Profile - 2016

Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC)

The ATIC is functioning in the institute since 2002 on the principle of “single window

delivery system”. It provides all relevant information to the visiting scientist, agriculture

officers, farmers and students. It houses a farmers’ Museum displaying all aspects of

potato cultivation in Hindi language and a TV room for film projection. About 1,000

visitors come to ATIC every year.

Museum

The institute has a small but compact museum depicting information on origin and

spread of potato, Potato producing areas of the world, seed production techniques,

seed distribution channel etc in the form of charts and translites. Besides, specimens

and live samples of potato products and machineries are displayed in elegant manner.

Consultancy

ICAR-CPRI provides consultancy services on potato cultivation and harvesting, potato

seed production, rapid multiplication of planting materials, micropropagation, true

potato seed production technology, potato storage, potato processing, farm equipment


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A Profile - 2016

fabrication, potato starch manufacturing technology, seed health testing, post-entry

quarantine clearance, testing for virus/viroid freedom of planting/propagation

stocks/field samples, bio-control of potato tuber moth, evaluation of agro-chemical viz.,

new pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, growth promoters, sprout suppressants, fertilizer

additives, etc. The consultancy processing cell of the institute looks after these activities.

The institute regularly imparts training to the agriculture/horticulture officers of state

departments, scientist of SAUs, and NGOs. Besides, the institute also imparts training

directly to the farmers on limited scale through frontline demonstration, Kisan melas

fields days, field visits and lectures. The institute is also a resource center for training of

scientists of South, South-East, and West Asia. In addition, ICAR-CPRI is an approved

center for Doctoral research of the Himachal Pradesh University, Meerut University,

Punjab University, Rajmata VRSAU, Gwalior and Pt. Ravishankar University. M.Sc.

and Ph.D students of Dr.YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry often carry

out part of their research work at the institute.

Human Resource Development

RESEARCH

The institute critically analyzed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats

(SWOT) of potato in India, and accordingly identified the priority areas for research and

development. Since most of those priority areas needed multidisciplinary approach,

A concise diagram of potato genome


Recently released potato varieties of CPRI, Shimla

the institute’s research mode was re-oriented from the usual departmental mode to the

programme mode from 1999 onwards. At present, research on potato is being carried

out under 10 different research programmes and one service project on potato breeder

seed production. Besides, several externally funded projects are running in the institute.

Developed and released a total of 53 high yielding varieties possessing combination of

important agronomic traits suitable for cultivation under diverse agro climatic conditions.

Out of these varieties, 47 were table purpose for processing purpose. ICAR-CPRI

varieties occupy more than 95% of total potato growing area of the country.

Established germplasm collection consisting of more than 4000 accessions of wild and

cultivated potato from 30 different countries.

ICAR-CPRI as part of Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium (PGSC) deciphered the complex

genome of potato and detailed information published in high impact journal ‘Nature’.

Developed and registered 19 improved breeding lines as elite genetic stocks having

earliness, resistance to pests and diseases and low cold induced sweetening.

Transgenic potato developed for tailor made potatoes with durable traits viz. late blight

resistance, reduced cold induced sweetening, virus resistance etc.

Salient Research Achievements

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A core set of genetically distinct 77 Solanum tuberosum group andigenum accessions representing 740

exotic accessions was developed based on morphological, agronomic, disease and pest descriptors.

Developed and registered two inter-specific somatic hybrids of potato Solanum tuberosum

dihaploid C-13 (+) S. etuberosum, and C-13+ S. pinnatisectum resistant to Potato Virus Y and

late blight through protoplast fusion to overcome the sexual barriers imposed by difference

in ploidy and endosperm balance number (EBN).

A unique parental line having extreme resistance gene to PVY (Ry ) in triplex state was adg

developed and registered with ICAR-NBPGR. Besides 14 genotype were identified through

MAS possessing multiple resistance genes for late blight, PVY and cyst nematodes.

Identified four heat tolerant clones viz., CP 4054, CP 4184, CP 4197 ad CP 4206 with good

agronomic traits. These have been introduced into AICRP for multi-locational testing.

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A Profile - 2016 ICAR-Center Potato Research InstituteICAR-Center Potato Research Institute

Glimpses of the research achievements of the institute

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Developed recommendations for fertilizer application and other cultural practices of potato

for diverse agro- climates of the country.

Identified profitable potato-based cropping systems and their resource management

strategies were developed for different agro- climatic zones of the country.

Developed agricultural implements, including an oscillating tray type potato grader,

fertilizer applicator-cum-line marker, potato culti-ridger, soil crust brakers, granular

insecticide applicator, two/four row automatic potato planter, potato digger, implements

for stage I &II breeders seed production and aeroponic units.

A decision support tool “Potato Pest Manager” has been developed which identifies the pest

or disease problem and gives the preventive measures and also the recommendations for

control tailored to his situation.

A decision support tool “Computer Aided Advisory System for potato Crop Scheduling”

has been developed which gives the estimated yield potential of 10 varieties for 5 dates of

planting at different durations corresponding to 60,70,80 and 90 days after planting for

about 1500 locations in India.

A methodology for advanced potato acreage and production estimation at national level

using remote sensing, GIS and crop modeling has been developed in collaboration with

Space Applications Centre (ISRO) Ahmedabad. The technology is being used for acreage

and production estimation of potato under FASAL programme of Ministry of Agriculture

and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India.

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Developed thematic maps of spatial database of potato statistics at district level on area,

production, productivity etc., and areas suitable for growing potatoes for processing, areas

prone for frosting etc.

A “Potato E- book” has been developed which gives the information on the package of

practices of potato in a simple language and is periodically updated on ICAR-CPRI website.

Developed “INFOCROP- Potato” model in collaboration with ICAR-IARI, New Delhi for

developing best management practices under sub-tropical conditions.

Developed late blight forecasting model (JHULSA CAST) for hills and plains. Based on this

model, decision support system has also been developed which has three components i.e.

forecasting, need based application of fungicides, and yield loss assessment. Besides, aphid-

forecasting model for plains has also been developed. Recently, a PAN-INDIA model for late

blight forecasting viz. INDO-BLIGHT CAST has been developed and the forecasting is

being done using IMD data for the whole country.

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Glimpses of the research achievements of the institute

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Portable dipstick kits have been developed for detection of five major potato viruses, viz.

PVY, PVX, PV, PVS and PVM at field level.

Developed sensitive virus detection techniques like ELISA, ISEM and NASH, which have

been of great help in detecting low concentration of viruses or viroids in planting material.

Deployment of these methods in seed production was responsible for practically zeroing the

virus incidence in basic/nucleus seed.

PCR based protocols have been developed for detection of potato viruses, viroid, bacterial

wilt and late blight pathogens, in seed stocks.

A biofertilizer-cum-bio-pesticide formulation (Bio-B-5) has been identified and patented for

eco-friendly management of soil and tuber- borne diseases as well as for yield enhancement.

Developed integrated package of practices for management of late blight, bacterial wilt,

viruses, soil & tuber borne diseases, tuber moth and cyst nematodes.

Conducted aphid surveys that led to the identification of low aphid period for growing seed

potatoes.

Developed the seed plot technique and established a national disease free seed potato

production programme for plains and hills.

Developed and standardized high-tech seed production system through tissue culture and

aeroponics.

Replaced organomercurials tuber treatment with boric acid (3%), a safe alternative, to check

tuber borne diseases particularly black scurf and common scab.

Developed bio-intensive management schedule for white grub management.

Demonstrated the efficiency of chemical control on sprouting under elevated temperature ostorage (10-12 C) and during non refrigerated storage condition and standardized the storage

technologies.

Developed several indigenous value added products of potato viz. chips, French fries, flour,

flakes, custard and cubes.

Transferred potato technology through Lab to Land, ORP, TAD, IVLP, Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav

and other programmes like trainings, demonstrations, kisan mela and potato school on AIR.

Collected and maintained country and state wise statistics on potato production, area,

yields and prices.

Strengthened the French fries chain by developing Kufri Frysona and its popularization in

collaboration with M/s. McCain’s Food India Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat.

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ICAR-AICRP-POTATO

The ICAR-All India Coordinated Research

Project on potato was initiated in 1971 with

an objective to coordinate potato research

and development in the country across

diverse agro-ecological regions. Presently

the ICAR-AICRP has 25 centres located at

several SAUs and the regional stations of

ICAR-CPRI. Improved varieties of potato

and related agro-techniques developed in

the country are evaluated in these centres

before they are recommended for adoption

by the farmers.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES

VISION

The institute has established linkages with several national and international

organizations for working in the field of potato R&D. The institute has effective

linkages with International Potato Centre (CIP), Lima, Peru; Scottish Crop Research

Institute, Dundee, UK; Laboratory of Plant Breeding, Wageningen, Netherlands; The

Cornell University, USA; Space Application Centre, ISRO, Ahmedabad; Pepsi Food

Ltd., New Delhi etc. for speeding up target oriented research. In addition, Govt. of

Haryana and Govt. of Manipur were helped in establishing tissue culture based

potato seed production system. M/s ITC, M/s Technico Agri. Science ltd., M/s Merino

Industries, M/s Mahindra Shubh Labh, M/s Bhatti Farms etc. were helped in

establishing potato seed supply chain.

In future, potato has to emerge from just a vegetable to a serious food security option.

Considering the rapid growth in potato processing, increasing population and future

role of potato in providing food security; the estimated demand of potatoes in 2050

would be 125 million t. According to WOFOST model, potato yield during 2050 would

be 34.51 t/ha and we would need 3.62 million ha area under potato to fulfill estimated

demand. Increased emphasis on breeding short duration potato varieties (in order to fit

in between rice and wheat) and area adjustment under the influence of relative

profitability as dictated by the price (demand and supply) scenario are expected to

achieve this additional area in the situation of rather scare cultivable land in India.

Year Area million ha Production million t Productivity t/ha

2010 1.82 35.21 19.35

2025 2.02 56.15 27.71

2050 3.62 124.88 34.51

Potato production, productivity and area estimates for 2050

Distribution of AICRP (Potato) centres in India

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THE ISSUES

Crop Diversification

Poverty Alleviation

Environment Protection

Women Empowerment

Export

Bio-Safety

Crop diversification is the only way to sustain the momentum of green revolution. Potato can be

an ideal crop for this purpose. Potato is a short duration crop and possesses compatibility of

cultivation with many other crops. Therefore, it has become an important component of

multiple and intercropping systems that are the only sustainable way of maintaining higher

productivity.

Potato is a labour-intensive crop and contributes significantly to employment generation in the

rural economy. Potato cultivation requires an input of 250 man-days/ha. With the efforts of the

ICAR-CPRI in technology generation and transfer, the area under potato has increased from 239

thousand hectare in 1949-50 to 1863 thousand hectares in 2010-11. This has resulted in the

generation of rural employment to the level of 40.6 crores man-days. In addition, the

revolutionary increase in potato output has generated lots of employment opportunities in the

post-harvest operations of storage, transportation and marketing.

Environmental concerns are central to all of the ICAR-CPRI’s research projects. The institute is

using modern tools like computer simulation model, remote sensing, and Geographical

Information System (GIS) for developing integrated nutrient and water management packages.

One of the main objectives of crop protection efforts is to reduce the need for pesticides, which

can pose serious environmental and health risks. Similarly, environmental concern is the central

theme for much of the institute’s biotechnology work, which aims to incorporate pest and

disease resistance into new crop varieties decreasing the need for hazardous chemical

pesticides.

Women labourers have an edge over men in potato cultivation. They are preferred for planting,

harvesting, and grading operations. The institute has also standardized the production

techniques of a number of potato products like chips, French fries, flour, flakes, custard and

cubes for small scale operation. About 90 percent of potato processing in India is done in the

unorganized sector, which provides employment to a large number of rural women.

Indian potatoes are free from the prohibited diseases like wart, a large number of viruses,

viroids, and pests like tuber moth and cyst nematodes, which are barometer for phytosanitary

standards. India also has the natural advantage of exporting fresh table potatoes during January

to June when supply from European countries dwindles. Besides, India has well developed seed

production programme and has the potential to export seed potatoes to other Asian countries.

Some Corporates, in collaboration with ICAR-CPRI are already producing and exporting seed

potatoes.

Scientists of the institute use a variety of molecular biology and genetic techniques which offer

compelling advantages over conventional methods. Strict standards are maintained for

protecting food safety, avoiding possible negative impact of transgenic plants on the

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environment, and limiting the unwanted spread of pathogens and pests. The Institute Biosafety

Committee (IBSC) is working since 1999 and meets regularly to evaluate health and environmental

risks of rDNA work. Field evaluation of genetically modified crop is undertaken as per the

guidelines of Review Committee on Genetic Modification (RCGM) and Genetic Engineering

Approval Committee (GEAC).

The institute ensures that the products, innovations, and technologies it develops remain freely

available to Indian farmers. The improved varieties developed by the institute were released by

the Central Variety Release Committee and are available freely to Indian farmers. Among the

ICAR-CPRI released varieties, 13 varieties have been released in extant category through PPV &

FRA, New Delhi. Besides, ICAR-CPRI is in the process of registering more varieties in farmer's

variety and new variety categories. The parental lines are registered in the ICAR-National

Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi. The intellectual properties generated by the

institute are managed by the Institute Technology Management Unit in accordance with “ICAR

Guidelines for Intellectual Property Management and Technology Transfer/ Commercialization”

issued in October 2006 and further revised in October, 2014.

Global atmospheric concentrations of green house gases CO , CH and N O have increased 2 4 2

omarkedly since industrialisation. As a result, global temperature is estimated to rise by 1 - 3.5 C

by the turn of this century. Climate change is likely to have a negative effect on potato growth in

India. The positive effect of elevated CO does not appear to compensate for the detrimental 2

effects of higher temperature on tuber yield. The climate change may alter the available growing

period for potato and may result in shifting of planting and harvesting dates. The change in

climate will also have impact on the growth and development of pests and pathogens affecting

potato. An increase is likely on the incidence of several diseases, particularly late blight and

bacterial wilt. Hence we have to be ready in advance to face the new challenges posed by climate

change on agriculture. The Institute is working towards developing adaptation strategies and

also studying effect of climate change on potato pests and pathogens and accordingly develop

their control strategies.

The institute and its scientists bagged several national and international awards

including Sardar Patel Outstanding Agricultural Institution Award (2), Chaudhary Devi Lal

Outstanding All India Coordinated Research Project Award , Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award (4),

Guinness Award, ICAR Team Research Award (3), LC Sikka Endowment Award, Young

Scientist award (3), Hari Om Ashram Trust Award (3), NAAS Fellowship (7), Jawahar Lal Nehru

Award (2), Mundkur Memorial Award, FAI Award, Potato Research Institute Award,

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad Award, ICAR Best Annual Report Award etc. (visit http://cpri.ernet.in

for details).

Intellectual Property Rights

Climate Change

THE LAURELS

The Leaders: Thinkers and planners of India realized that importance of potato in national food

security and rural economy. ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute was conceived for fulfilling

their dream of making potato a major food crop. Today, potato has attained a prime position in

Indian food basket and the institute has flourished into a world class centre of research and

learning. We are indebted to an array of personalities whose sacrifice and efforts made it

possible.

Awards:

18


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A Profile - 2016

Publications: Scientist of the institute contributed a large number of articles in Indian, and

foreign journals as well as in proceedings. They also brought out several topical books,

contemporary popular articles, review articles in English and vernacular languages and also

contributed chapter in edited books of Indian and foreign publishers. Besides, the institute also

brought out a large number of technical and extension bulletins, manuals etc. for scientific and

farming community.

Director, ICAR-CPRI, Dr BP Singh receiving Sardar Patel

Outstanding ICAR institute award


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A Profile - 2016

DIRECTORS OF CPRI

Dr Ramanujam

(1949-1956)

Dr BB Nagaich

1975-1982

Dr GS Shekhawat

1994-2000

Dr Pushkar Nath

1956-1969

Dr NM Nair

1983-1989

Dr SMP Khurana

2000-2004

Dr BP Singh

2004-05 & 2010-15

Dr SK Chakrabarti

2016-contd.

Dr Mukhtar Singh

1969-1975

Dr JS Grewal

1989-94

Dr SK Pandey

2005-2010


Documents

Profile 3rd Proof final-2016 · 2020-02-29 · 2 ICAR-Center Potato Research Institute A Profile - 2016 JOURNEY OF POTATO Potato is not a native of India. It originated about 8000