MoU signed between International Potato Center and Horticulture Department
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh –
In the presence of Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shyam Singh Rana, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday between the state’s Horticulture Department and the International Potato Center (CIP). The main aim of this agreement is to increase the production of high-quality potato seeds in southern Haryana.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Pankaj Agarwal, along with other senior officers and scientists from the International Potato Center, were also present on the occasion.
The Agriculture Minister said that this collaboration comes under the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Scheme – Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The Central Government has already approved Rs. 4.48 crore for the year 2025–26, and a total project cost of Rs. 18.70 crore will be implemented over a period of four years.
Rana said that the goal of this MoU is to produce “Early Generation Seed” potatoes in Haryana’s southern districts like Charkhi Dadri, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh, and Rewari. This will make high-quality, disease-free potato seeds available to farmers. This will increase the income of the farmers and Haryana will be able to emerge as a potato seed producing state.
Rana, said that Potato Technology Center (PTC), set up by the Horticulture Department in Shamgarh, Karnal, will be the main center for implementing this project. This center is equipped with modern technologies like ARC, aeroponics units, and controlled climate facilities. Not only will Haryana become self-reliant in seed production, but the state will also be able to supply quality seeds to other states across the country. This will significantly boost farmers’ incomes, he added.
He said that this MoU will help farmers access modern techniques, better market linkage, and fair prices—ensuring growth in both production and income.