Thiruvananthapuram: The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) organized a one-day brainstorming meeting today focusing on the cultivation of Chinese potatoes. The event, which took place at the institute premises, saw active participation from over 100 stakeholders hailing from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The focus was on empowering stakeholders by addressing the challenges faced and strategizing for a sustainable future in Chinese potato cultivation. The meeting was inaugurated by Dr. P. Irene Vethamoni, Dean (Horticulture), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. In her inaugural address, Dr. Vethamoni highlighted the nutritional richness of Chinese potatoes, emphasizing their high-calorie content and essential nutrients. She stressed the need for developing high-yielding, pest-disease resistant varieties tailored to different agro-climatic zones, as well as advanced machinery for efficient harvesting and grading of tubers. Dr. Sheeba Rebecca Isaac, Associate Director of Research, RARS, Kumarakom, Kerala, served as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Isaac underscored the input responsiveness of Chinese potato cultivation and discussed the potential for increasing yields.  Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, presided over the meeting and highlighted the significant role played by Chinese potatoes in the agricultural landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering over 2000 hectares in India. He emphasized the crop's vital contribution to the livelihoods, income, and food security of Chinese potato farmers. A special address was delivered by Mr. B. Muralidharan, Technical Advisor, M/S Linga Chemicals, Madurai, adding an industry perspective to the discussion. Dr. G. Suja, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Crop Production, welcomed the attendees, and Dr. R. Muthuraj, Principal Scientist, Division of Crop Production, expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks. The brainstorming meeting provided an invaluable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions for enhancing Chinese potato cultivation in the region. With a focus on sustainable practices and technological advancements, the event aimed to pave the way for a more prosperous future for Chinese potato farmers and contribute significantly to food security in the region.

 

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