The Central Potato Research Institute
The Central Potato Research Institute is a research and development centre that coordinates research and development activities related to the potato. Its state-of-the-art laboratories conduct basic and applied research in soil science, biochemistry, plant physiology, and plant protection. It also provides consultancy services for the potato industry.
The Central Potato Research Institute was established in August 1949 in Patna, Bihar by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, following recommendations from the Agricultural Advisor to the Government of India, Sir Herbert Steward. It was initially under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In 1956, the institute was relocated to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, to facilitate potato breeding and hybridisation work, and to protect seed potato health. It was transferred to ICAR in April 1966.
The institute is committed to improving the quality of the potato seed and the production of the crop. In order to increase the yield of potato, it has developed an innovative air-seed production technique. This new technology will meet the growing demand for potato seeds and will boost the state’s potato production. As the largest non-cereal crop, potato plays a key role in global food security.
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