The 78th Foundation Day of ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, was celebrated. Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap, Member of Parliament, Shimla, served as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, attended as the Guest of Honour. Scientists, officers, employees, farmers, students and other stakeholders participated in the programme.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Dr Brajesh Singh, Director, ICAR–CPRI, highlighted the Institute’s nearly eight-decade-long contributions to potato research, quality seed production, technological innovation and farmer-orientated extension. He emphasised ICAR-CPRI’s role in enhancing potato productivity, quality and farmers’ access to improved technologies.
Shri Suresh Kumar Kashyap, Member of Parliament, Shimla appreciated CPRI’s significant contributions to potato research and production and particularly highlighted the modern seed plot technique and the importance of healthy, quality seed potato. He urged farmers to adopt modern technologies and government schemes and called for stronger coordination among scientists, research institutions, government agencies and farmers. He also emphasised need-based research addressing climate change, water availability, natural resource conservation, production costs and sustainable potato production.
Prof. Mahavir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, HP University, Shimla congratulated CPRI for its achievements in developing improved varieties and disseminating technologies among farmers. He noted India’s position as the world’s second-largest potato producer and expressed confidence that continued research and farmer-scientist collaboration could help India attain the top position. He also emphasised harmony with nature and the importance of food, conduct and thought in human life.
Outstanding employees of ICAR-CPRI and progressive farmers from the Shimla region were felicitated for their contributions, and agricultural implements were distributed to farmers by the Chief Guest. Students of Government Senior Secondary School, Fagli, also participated enthusiastically.
(Source: ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla)
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