Yogi govt eyes global potato leadership with new research and excellence hubs

Lucknow : Widely known as the “King of Vegetables” for its versatility, affordability, and year-round availability, the humble potato holds a special place in kitchens around the world. Whether boiled, fried, roasted, or mashed, it forms the base of countless dishes and snacks—from chips and papad to vodka and ethanol. Recognizing its immense potential, the Yogi Adityanath government has launched a strategic initiative to further elevate the status of this staple crop. With the establishment of the International Potato Research Center in Agra and upcoming Centers of Excellence in Saharanpur and Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a hub for advanced potato research and value-added production.

Uttar Pradesh leads the country in potato production, contributing over 35% to India’s total yield. The state’s productivity is also higher than the national average, which ranges between 23 to 25 tonnes per hectare, and there is strong potential for further improvement. However, a key challenge remains—the lack of region-specific research and innovation tailored to the agro-climatic conditions of Uttar Pradesh. Even the available research often fails to reach farmers in a timely and effective manner.

Notably, the National Potato Research Centre is located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with only two regional centers in Meerut and Patna. As a result, the transfer of research from lab to land is slow and limited. Additionally, farmers frequently face a shortage of high-quality seed varieties during the sowing season, forcing them to reuse stored potatoes kept in cold storage facilities each year.

To address this long-standing issue, the Yogi government is taking a major step toward a sustainable solution. Plans are underway to establish a branch of the International Potato Research Institute, based in Lima, Peru, in Agra—an area central to Uttar Pradesh’s potato belt. This initiative will directly benefit lakhs of potato farmers across the surrounding divisions and districts by providing access to cutting-edge research, improved seed varieties, and modern farming techniques.

Seventy-five percent of Uttar Pradesh’s potato production comes from the districts spread over half a dozen divisions of western Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut, Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Moradabad, and Bareilly. Key districts such as Firozabad, Hathras, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Mathura, Mainpuri, and Badaun also contribute significantly to the state’s potato yield, with Agra at the heart of the potato-producing region. The establishment of an International Potato Research Center in Agra will greatly benefit these farmers by providing access to advanced research and innovation.

To ensure that all potato farmers across the state benefit from this initiative, the Yogi government is also opening Excellence Centers for Potato in Saharanpur and Kushinagar. These centers will support potato farmers from both western and eastern Uttar Pradesh, helping them access improved knowledge, seed varieties, and farming techniques.

Dr. SP Singh, a senior vegetable scientist at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Gorakhpur, explained that these centers will educate farmers about heat-resistant potato varieties that offer high yields in shorter growing periods. With locally available seeds during the sowing season, farmers can plant varieties that align with market demand, potentially increasing their income.

For example, varieties like Kufri Neelkanth, which has lower sugar content, and Kufri Shaurya, which is heat-tolerant, are in high demand but face challenges related to seed availability. Similarly, varieties such as Kufri Khyaati, which matures in 60-65 days, and Kufri Chipsona, used for processing, are also in short supply. The research institutes will address these issues, ensuring farmers have access to the right seeds for improved production.

While the agricultural climate and soil conditions are crucial for crop production, the availability of superior seed varieties and the adoption of modern technology are equally important. Countries in Europe such as the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand are producing 38 to 44 metric tonnes of potatoes per hectare.

There is significant potential to increase yields further through the introduction of new varieties and advanced technologies from research centers. This is especially important for Uttar Pradesh, as the state with the largest population, to meet both domestic consumption and export demands. The government is actively working on this front.

Potatoes also play a vital role from a nutritional perspective. They are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamin C, B6, potassium, magnesium, and fiber—all essential for maintaining good health. For instance, carbohydrates serve as the body’s primary energy source, while vitamin C boosts immunity. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, magnesium is crucial for bone and muscle health, and fiber aids digestion.

Additionally, potatoes are a good source of essential minerals such as phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese, and calcium, all of which contribute to overall health and well-being.