In a bid to boost potato production and quality, Kolkata will soon have its own Central Potato Research Institute centre in the West Midnapore district  Potato consumption has become a fundamental part of the world’s food system. In fact, this edible tuber has successfully earned the name of being the world’s most favoured non-grain commodity. Over the years, potato production and consumption have expanded significantly in the developing countries, and in India the increase in demand for potato is noteworthy. However, when it comes to variety in potato production, not every part of the country produces wide varieties of this tuber crop. Despite West Bengal (WB) being the largest producer of potatoes in the country with a production figure of over 8 million tonnes, the state produces only some varieties of this crop—Chandramukhi, Jyoti and Pokhraj.
With a view to address this issue, the Union government recently gave permission to WB government to set up a Central Potato Research Institute centre in the West Midnapore district of the state.
Objectives
The CPRI centre in WB will assist the state in various research works as well as in assortment of the best quality and variety of potatoes, which will be produced in the state.
“All aspects of research, agro-techniques, production, development and selection of varieties of potatoes will be taken care of by the centre, which through its contribution is sure to boost potato production in the state,” said Dr Bir Pal Singh, director of CPRI, in an interview with a FoodProcessing360 correspondent.
According to Dr Singh, the centre will also work as the state’s knowledge and consultancy partner. It will facilitate in reducing the cost of cultivation by helping the state to grow better quality seeds. At present, the state imports the seeds from Punjab.
Talking on this score, Swapan Kumar Mondal, president of West Bengal Cold Storage Association, said, “Out of 160 varieties of potatoes, only two to three varieties are grown in WB. With potato processing becoming popular in the market, it is important that CPRI comes up with more potato varieties, which will be well-matched for potato processing.”
Unlike grains, potatoes do not remain in good condition for a long time. It is prone to mold (microscopic fungi) attacks, which nourish on the stored tubers and hastens its decomposition.
Shalmoli Kundu
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