CPRIPerspective Plan

VISION - 2025

Central Potato Research Institute

(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

CPRI
Hkkd` vuqiICAR

Shimla 171 001, HP, India

Hkkd` vuqiICAR

CPRI

Tel.: 0177-2625073 Fax: 0177-2624460 E-mail: dircpri@sancharnet.in Website: http://cpri.ernet.in

INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

CPRIPerspective Plan

VISION - 2025

Central Potato Research Institute

(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

Shimla 171 001, HP, India

Tel.: 0177-2625073 Fax: 0177-2624460 E-mail: dircpri@sancharnet.in Website: http://cpri.ernet.in

CPRI
Hkkd` vuqiICAR

INDIAN COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Central Potato Research Institute

Shimla 171 001, HP, India Tel. : 0177-2625073 Fax : 0177-2624460 E-mail : dircpri@sancharnet.in Website : http://cpri.ernet.in

Published by Dr. S.K. Pandey Director

Compiled and edited by S.K. Pandey, P.S. Naik, K.C. Sud, and S.K. Chakrabarti

Production Avnish Atrey

Correct Citation CPRI - Perspective Plan Vision 2025 Central Potato Research Institute Shimla 171 001, HP, India

July 2007

Printed at Nirmal Vijay Printers B 62/8, Naraina Industrial Area Phase II, New Delhi - 110028 Ph: 25891449, 9811053617

FOREWORD Indian agriculture must continuously evolve to remain ever responsive to manage the change and to meet the growing and diversified needs of different stakeholders in the entire production to consumption chain. In order to capitalize on the opportunities and to convert weaknesses into opportunities, we at the ICAR attempted to visualize an alternate agricultural scenario from present to twenty years hence. In this endeavour, an in-depth analysis of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) was undertaken to place our research and technology development efforts in perspective so that we succeed in our pursuit of doing better than the best. Accordingly, the researchable issues are identified, strategies drawn and programmes indicated to have commensurate projects and relevant activities coinciding with the launch of the 11th Five Year Plan. The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla will undertake basic and strategic research aimed at the development of varieties and sustainable technologies for enhancing productivity and quality, diversification of processed products and minimizing post harvest losses of potato in the country. It has assigned priority for producing disease free breeders seed. Accordingly, the research programmes have been suggested on a time scale with proper prioritisation to carry out research effectively. Emphasis has been laid on proper exploitation of wide genetic material, development of parental lines and varieties resistant to late blight, viruses, bacterial wilt and other biotic/abiotic stresses through gene cloning and development of transgenics and marker assisted selection. Priority is also set for the development of IPM practices and technology assessment and refinement. The national and international linkages have been identified for proper scientific exchange. It is expected that realizing the Vision embodied in the document would further ensure that the CPRI, Shimla continues to fulfill its mandate to make Indian agriculture locally, regionally and globally competitive. The efforts and valuable inputs provided by my colleagues at the ICAR Headquarters and by the Director and his team at the Institute level for over an year to develop Vision 2025 deserve appreciation.

(MANGALA RAI) Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research & Education & Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110 001, India March 2007

PREFACE Potato, a native crop of South America, was introduced in India from Europe in the beginning of 17th century. The crop has emerged as the fourth important food crop in India. Potato production increased at an annual compounded growth rate (ACGR) of around 5% during 1980 to 2000. Even during the current decade, potato production and yield registered 3.48 and 3.65% ACGR vis--vis negative trends for major cereals. As a consequence, India emerged as the third largest potato producer in the world after China and Russia. Despite that, per capita consumption of potato in India is much below the world average (33 kg/year). Potato provides carbohydrates, minerals, vitamin C, a number of B group vitamins, high quality proteins and dietary fiber. People of several European and Latin American countries consume potato as a staple food. The tremendous importance of potato as a source of income for poor farmers and of food for the rural and urban poor is often overlooked in the debate about improving food security and eradicating poverty in India. The country is now passing through a phase of yield stagnation in case of major food grains. High productive crop like potato should be encouraged now to counter the sagging growth in agricultural productivity. India Vision 2020 prepared by the Planning Commission, Govt. of India projected a scenario in which the future agricultural sector would be A vibrant, highly productive commercial farm sector that can ensure food & nutritional security, generate employment opportunities, stimulate industrialization, and produce renewable energy from biomass and fuel crops. The potato has all the virtues to meet those projected aspirations. It is a highly productive crop that can fit into the requirements of emerging farm sector. Potato processing sector is currently in a high growth path giving a fillip to agri-business. Potato waste can also be an alternative for producing bio-fuels. It is a labour-intensive crop and contributes significantly to employment generation in the rural economy. The IMPACT (International Model for Policy Analysis of Agricultural Commodities and Trade) model of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) projected an annual production of 37.3 million metric tons of potato from 1.4 million ha by the year 2020 under baseline growth scenario, while 43.3 million metric tons from 1.6 million ha under high demand and production (HDP) growth scenario. Projected consumption by 2020 would be 43.20 million MT under baseline scenario and 44.6 million MT under HDP growth scenario. Keeping the same growth rate under HDP growth scenario, the projected potato production during 2025 would be 51.85 million MT from 1.74 million ha area with average productivity of 28.95 t/ha. This productivity has to be achieved from a 90 days crop, that would mean 322 kg/ha/day production. Currently we produce 224 kg/ha/day in the fertile northern plains. Therefore, meticulous planning and vigorous effort are needed in potato research and development to realize those challenging projections. This perspective plan presents the basic framework of the research strategies to achieve that target. The document has been divided into 21 sections. The first five sections describe the mandate, achievements and impact of research work done by the institute so far. The next two sections give description of the crop under global and national scenario. The section 8 presents the current strength, weakness, opportunities and threats of the crop in the country. The remaining sections elucidate the proposed strategies to achieve the goal. Hopefully, the strategies presented in this document will help give this crop appropriate consideration in future deliberations about the national food system and thereby improve efforts to ensure access to sufficient food and income for all people. We are thankful to all head of divisions and stations for the valuable guidance that they provided at all stages in the preparation of this document. We are also thankful to all scientific and other staff for their help in developing the draft manuscript. Shimla July 2007 SK Pandey Director

CONTENT Foreword Preface Executive Summary 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Preamble Mandate Growth Research Achievements Impact Potato Production and Utilization: Global Scenario Potato Production and Utilization: Indian Scenario Swot Analysis Perspective Research Issues and Strategies Research Priorities Funding Needs Linkages Critical Inputs Revenue Generation during the period 2005-2025 HRD Plan of CPRI for the period 2005-2025 Risk Analysis Review Resource Generation Outputs Outcome 1 5 5 8 18 23 29 32 38 40 42 55 57 61 62 63 64 64 65 66 69

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) was established in 1949. Since its inception CPRI has grown rapidly. Manpower has increased by 4.5 fold during the period of I to X plan and the planbudget by 163.3 folds during the period of II to X plan. Apart from the headquarters at Shimla, CPRI at present has 7 research stations including CPRI campus at Modipuram located between 11 and 32o N latitudes, 75 and 910 E longitudes, and 532501 m altitude, covering wide range of agro-climates in the country. The All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato (AICRP, Potato) was established in 1970. It presently has 22 centres located in different agro-climatic zones of the country. Manpower and budget of AICRP (Potato) has increased by 1.5 folds during the period of IV to X plan and 22.8 folds during V to X plan, respectively. The primary mandate of CPRI is to undertake basic and strategic research aimed at the development of varieties and sustainable technologies for enhancing productivity and utilization of potato in the country. It also has the responsibility of producing disease-free basic seed to meet the countrys requirement. Development and release of 42 high yielding cultivars, development of a Seed Plot Technique that made it possible to produce disease-free seed potatoes in the plains, establishment of a National Disease-Free Seed Production Programme, development of package of practices for sustainable potato production and controlling important pests and diseases and growing potatoes in the different agro-climatic zones have been the major achievements of CPRI. A good germplasm collection, biosciences library and biotechnology laboratory have been established. The development of optimal methods for raising a commercial potato crop using the botanical seed as planting material; forecasting late blight occurrence in the hills and plains; pathogen detection using electron microscopy/ELISA/ NASH; diagnosing soil and tissue nutrient deficiencies; mechanizing potato cultivation and post harvest handling; breaking tuber dormancy and storing table potatoes without refrigeration for short periods in the plains; identification of new pests/diseases and profitable potato based cropping systems for different regions and superior methods of irrigation; determination of pesticide residues; studies on the economics of potato production and storage; and cloning of economically important genes and production of transgenic potatoes are achievements worth mentioning. In keeping with the international standing of CPRI as a centre of excellence in potato research, significant advances have also been made in basic studies on statistical theory as applied to potato research; inheritance of characters; mechanism of spread of late blight; interactions of fertilizers and organic manures; biofertilizers; biocontrol agents; antibiotic-enhanced production of virulent variants from avirulent strains of Ralstonia solanacearum; photosynthesis and productivity; resistance to abiotic stresses; physiological basis of seed vigour; and keeping quality and processing quality of potatoes. Testing and release of 17 high yielding varieties; assessment of true potato seed (TPS) technology; generation of a number of recommendations on cultural practices, potato based intensive cropping systems and management of diseases/insect pests have been the major achievements of AICRP (Potato). In five and a half decade (1949-50 to 2004-2005), the production, area and average yield of potato in India has increased by 15.6, 5.6, and 2.7 times, respectively. The annual compound growth rates (ACGRs) for potato production in India during the period 1950-51 to 2003-04 was 5.74% as compared to wheat (5.13%), rice (2.68%) and total food grains (2.60%). The potato contributes effectively to the national economy also. During the period 2005-2006, the average area under potato was 0.66% of the total cropped area of the country and its contribution was 1.74% to the total value of agricultural output. The corresponding figures, for wheat were 13.51% for the area and 8.12% for the value, and for rice 22.69% for the area and 17.01% for the value.

The explosive growth in potato production was made possible by the outstanding success of CPRI in developing of high yielding varieties, package of practices for potato production/protection for different regions and increasing the availability of disease-free seed stocks. However, certain areas that had been given relatively less emphasis earlier have now become very important. The areas that now need special attention have been identified. These are identification and prioritization of region specific potato research; identification and problem analysis of laggard potato growers in India; better exploitation of the wide genetic variability available in the potato through conventional/ non-conventional methods; development of parental lines resistant/tolerant to late blight, viruses, bacterial wilt and cold induced sweetening; development of varieties for export, early maturity, good processing quality, good keeping quality, resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses, suitable for cold chipping, responsiveness to low fertilizer and water; development of environment-friendly agro-techniques involving INM/IWM; gene cloning, transgenics, marker assisted selection and genome sequencing; IPM/IDM and PRA; development of simulation models and Decision Support Systems for improving productivity; agroecological zoning of potato for spatial and temporal diversification using GIS; preharvest forecasting of potato acreage and production using remote sencing, GIS and crop models, development of varieties and technologies for production of organic and baby potatoes; integration of micro-propagation in potato seed production; seed production linkages with government and private sector in seed deficient areas; and technology assessment and refinement through extension activities. The major strengths of the potato in India are: 85% of the crop is raised under assured irrigation as a short duration crop; availability of indigenous high yielding varieties; efficient national disease free seed production programme; large cold-storage capacity of about 19.59 million tonnes available in the country (2005); high employment generation potential during potato production and processing; potential of potato research in India to become a financially self-sustaining activity; high benefit/cost ratio of the high productivity and high food value; possibility of exporting fresh potatoes and processed potato products; and agronomic flexibility for its inclusion in intensive cropping systems. The Major weaknesses are unsatisfactory distribution and multiplication of the basic seed produced by CPRI; limited genetic variability available in the country; inadequate dispersion and adoption of improved production technologies in some parts of the country; problems related to transportation, storage and marketing; inadequate availability of varieties with superior processing qualities; and the high cost of production. The major threats are risk of importing exotic pests and parasites, and the potential threat to the environment because of the high input nature of the crop. It is proposed that by the year 2025, the total annual potato production in the country will be aroun 43 million tones from 1.6 million ha with an average productivity of 26.3 t/ha. Most of the increase in area is expected to arise from the adoption of new cropping systems and land use patterns, involving inter-cropping, relay cropping and multiple cropping. High temperature tolerance will also increase the flexibility in planting dates and make it possible to fit potato into even more diverse cropping systems and expanding cultivation in non-traditional areas. The research priorities identified to meet above targets are based on the current national/international scenario and recommendations made by the RACs and latest QRT. The research activities have been phased into four time frames based on their priorities. The stakeholders for research output by CPRI (varieties, technologies, etc) would be farmers, potato based industries, private seed companies, exporters, SAUs, State Governments, PSUs, scientists and national/international organizations involved in potato research and development. The anticipated expenditure during the XI plan period is Rs. 2324 lakhs under Plan and Rs. 13143 lakhs under Non-Plan. About 27% of this will be raised by Institute from its own resources. The anticipated expenditure for AICRP (Potato) during the XI plan period is about Rs. 1629 lakhs out of which the share of ICAR is 1222 lakhs.

1. PREAMBLE 1.1. Potato: A Potential Crop to Fight Hunger and Malnutrition The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major world food crop. In world food production, potato is exceeded only by rice, wheat and maize. Potatoes are consumed by over one billion people world over; half of them are in the developing countries alone. Poverty and large population are significant and persistent problems in India. These problems besides having close relationship with food insecurity are also related to poor health and malnutrition. Food and nutritional security in India is, therefore, an important national priority. Increase in population, urbanization and man-made creation of wastelands is shrinking arable land and water resources. The present per capita available land in India is only 0.16 ha. During last one decade the major food crops are reaching their practical limits of production and there is very slow genetic improvement in yield levels of these crops. The situation is further aggravated by declining inputuse efficiency particularly for chemical fertilizers, emergence of resistant pests and diseases and declining output-input ratio. All these factors have resulted in making farming less remunerative for resource poor farmers of the country. A short duration crop like potato, which produces more dry matter, edible energy and edible protein per unit land and time than many other major crops such as wheat, rice and maize is the most potential and nutritionally superior crop for fighting hunger and malnutrition. Short duration and wide flexibility in planting and harvesting time are potatos valuable traits that help in adjusting this crop in intensive-cropping systems without putting much pressure on scarce resources such as land, water, fertilizers, etc. It also generates larger returns per unit land and time and employment during crop season and post harvest handling. 1.2. Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) Potato is not native to India. It was introduced in the country from Europe in the beginning of early 17th century. During 1824 to 1939 systematic attempts were made to introduce new potato varieties in the country, mainly from Europe. These, however, could create very little impression as most of these varieties either failed to yield well under Indian conditions or degenerated and were lost. The failure of introduced varieties in India was mainly because these varieties were primarily bred to suit temperate long days of summer in Europe, whereas, potato in India is grown during short days of sub-tropical winters. In view of the failure of exotic potato varieties and technologies under Indian agroclimatic conditions, a need was felt that potato cultivation in India can not depend on exotic varieties and technologies and the country must have its own research and development program for potato. A scheme for establishment of the Central Potato Research Institute was, therefore, drawn up in 1945 under the guidance of Sir Herbert Stewart, the then Agricultural Advisor to the Government of India and the CPRI was established in 1949 at Patna. Hills being the ideal location for producing and maintaining healthy seed and using wide potato genetic base through hybridization for breeding improved varieties, on the recommendations of an expert committee, the headquarters of CPRI was shifted in hills at Shimla in 1956.
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During the period 1956 to 1979, a chain of regional research stations was established in different potato growing zones of the country to address local problems of potato cultivation. At present the institute has seven regional research stations located in different parts of the country (Fig. 1), while three research stations established at Darjeeling (West Bengal), Mukteshwar (Uttaranchal) and Rajgurunagar (Maharashtra) were closed some time back. Potato research at the institute is carried out in six disciplines, viz., Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Crop Physiology & PHT, Seed Technology and Social Sciences.

Fig. 1. CPRI and its regional stations

Organizational set up of CPRI is shown below:

1.3. All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato [AICRP (Potato)] The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) started AICRP on potato in 1970 with its headquarters at CPRI, Shimla. At present AICRP on potato has 22 centres located at regional research stations of CPRI/ICAR institutes and several State Agricultural Universities (Table 1). Improved varieties of potato and related agro-techniques developed in the country are evaluated at these centres before they are recommended for commercial use.
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Table 1: Centres of AICRP (Potato) Sr. No. Location 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. Jalandhar Ootacamund Patna Rajgurunagar Shillong Kufri Modipuram Year of Start Address 1971 1971 1971 1971 1971 1976 1976 Central Potato Research Station, Jalandhar (Punjab) Central Potato Research Station, Ootacamund (TN) Central Potato Research Station, Patna (Bihar) NRC on Onion & Garlic, Rajgurunagar (MS) Central Potato Research Station, Shillong (Meghalaya) Central Potato Research Station, Kufri (HP) Central Potato Research Institute Campus, Modipuram. Meerut (UP) Orissa University of Agric. & Tech., Bhubaneshwar (Orissa) IG Krishi Vishwavidyalya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) JN Krishi Vishwavidyalya, Chhindwara (MP) Gujarat Agricl. University, Deesa (Gujarat) University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (Karnataka) Rajendra Agricultural University, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (Bihar) ND Univ. of Agric. & Technology, Faizabad (UP) UAS Agricultural Research Station, Hassan, (Karnataka) CCS Haryana Agril. University, Hissar (Haryana) Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam) BC Krishi Vishwavidyalya, Kalyani (West Bengal) Rajasthan Agril. University,Regional Research Station, Kota (Rajasthan) GB Pant Univ. of Agric. & Tech., Pantnagar (Uttranchal ) SK Univ. of Agric. Science & Tech. (K), Shalimar, Srinagar (J & K) GB Pant Univ. of Agric. & Tech., Ranichauri (Uttranchal) ICAR /CPRI BASED CENTRES

SEED PREPARATORY UNITS

UNIVERSITY BASED CENTRES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Bhubaneshwar Raipur Chhindwara Deesa Dharwad Dholi Faizabad Hassan Hissar Jorhat Kalyani Kota Pantnagar Srinagar 1971 2000 1971 1971 1993 1994 1987 1993 1975 1975 1971 1987 1975 1972

VOLUNTARY CENTRES 1 Ranichauri 1984 Together, the CPRI and AICRP account for more than 95% potato related research in India.
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2. MANDATE 2.1. Central Potato Research Institute The research activities of CPRI are aimed at: To undertake basic and strategic research for developing technologies to enhance productivity and utilization of the potato. To provide leadership and co-ordinate network research with state agricultural universities for generating location and variety-specific technologies and for solving area specific problems of potato production. To produce disease-free basic seed of different notified varieties developed by the Institute. To act as a centre for training in research methodologies and technology for upgrading scientific manpower in modern technologies for the potato production. To collaborate with national and international agencies in achieving the above objectives. To act as a national repository of scientific information relevant to potato. To provide consultancy in potato research and development

2.2. All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato The mandates of AICRP (Potato) are: To undertake location specific research for identifying varieties and sustainable crop production technologies for enhancing productivity and utilization of potato. To identify areas suitable for potato seed production. To carry out multi-location trials on newly developed potato hybrids/TPS populations. To evaluate agronomic practices including identification of remunerative potato based cropping systems in different regions. To evaluate plant protection measures and post-harvest technologies aimed at increasing production and productivity of potato in the country as a whole. To organize periodic workshops/group meetings to bring out recommendations based on the results of the coordinated trials to address the region specific problems in potato production. 3. GROWTH Since its inception in 1949, the institute has expanded its research activities in new emerging fields covering almost all major potato growing regions of the country. Some new disciplines relevant to emerging priorities have been added, whereas some disciplines have been merged. In 1998, 44 research projects were consolidated into 21 multidisciplinary research programs to avoid duplication. Potato research at the institute is now carried out in six disciplines, viz., Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Crop Physiology & PHT, Seed Technology and Social Sciences. 3.1. Infrastructure With increase in research activities at the institute, there has been significant improvement in following research infrastructure.
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3.1.1. Research Laboratories In addition to modernizing existing laboratories of various disciplines and regional research stations following new laboratories have been added. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. State-of-the-art biotechnology laboratory at Shimla Radio-tracer laboratory at Shimla GIS and crop modeling infrastructure at Shimla Tissue culture facilities at Modipuram and Shillong Soil testing laboratory at Modipuram Cell biology laboratory at Shimla Plant pathology laboratory at Shimla

3.1.2. Library From its small beginning, the CPRI library has now grown to one of the major potato libraries of the world. It currently has about 32,300 documents including 12,500 books and 13,020 research journals. Entire CPRI library has been automated for easy access through LAN. CD ROM databases (CAB, Agricola, Agris, Current Contents, Derwent Biotech, ISA and Nucssi on CD) have been developed over the years. All the regional stations have also been provided with small libraries. 3.1.3. Farm CPRI and its regional research stations have about 521 ha of farm area which is used for potato seed production and experimental purposes. 3.1.4. Buildings New laboratory buildings have been added to the existing infrastructure at Shimla and its regional research stations. The important additions had been auditorium building, administrative block, ATIC building, seed technology laboratory, cell biology laboratory, rabbit house, and extension of library building and plant pathology building at Shimla. Pump house, potato shed and new laboratory building at Patna. Hostel building, potato shed, record room, prototype testing laboratory and scooter-cum-car parking shed at Jalandhar. Potato shed and store room at Modipuram. Construction of rain water storage tank, dam, potato drying shed at Shillong, and renovation of office building and seed store at Muthorai (Ootacamund). 3.1.5. Others In addition to above, there had been significant additions to the infrastructure at the headquarters and almost all the regional stations in the form of glass-houses, net-houses, residential buildings, modern and efficient irrigation facilities, roads, development and fencing of the farm areas, etc. 3.2. Budget 3.2.1. Central Potato Research Institute Budgetary expenditure of CPRI under plan and non-plan over different plan periods is given in Table 2. With the growth of the institute and manpower there had been 16332% in plan and 19627% increase in non- plan budget during the period 1956-57 to 2005-06. 3.2.2. All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato Plan-wise budget of AICRP (Potato) is given in Table 3. There had been 2104% increase in plan budget during the period V to X plan.
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Table 2: Budgetary expenditure of CPRI from 1956-57 to 2006-2007 Plan II III APs* IV V APs* VI VII APs* VIII IX X Period 1956-1957 - 1960-1961 1961-1962 - 1965-1966 1966-1969 (3 years) 1969-1970 - 1973-1974 1974-1975 - 1978-1979 1979-1980 1980-1981 - 1984-1985 1985-1986 - 1989-1990 1990-92 (2 years) 1992-1993 - 1996-1997 1997-1998 - 2001-2002 2002-2006 - 2006-2007 Expenditure under Plan 8.04 10.84 4.36 86.79 144.88 119.60 258.66 271.37 190.02 854.16 1073.49 1401.20 Non-plan 24.99 55.32 57.46 131.28 210.08 154.94 630.47 1131.70 600.00 2130.65 4658.28 6407.37

Rs. in Lakhs

Total Expenditure 33.03 66.16 61.82 218.07 354.96 274.54 889.13 1403.07 790.02 2984.81 5731.77 7808.57

% Increase in X plan over II Plan; * Annual Plans

Table 3: Plan-wise budget of AICRP (Potato) from 1969-1974 to 2006-07 Plan IV V AP* VI VII APs* VIII IX X Period 1969-1974 1974-1979 1979-1980 1980-1985 1985-1990 1990-92 (2 years) 1992-1997 1997-2002* 2002-2006 - 2006-2007 Total outlay/expenditure 41.10 11.85 76.57 101.11 100.20 273.33 674.57 1046.32 16.85 30.82 8.89 57.43 76.57 75.15 205.00 505.93 784.74

Rs. in Lakhs

ICAR share (75%)

% Increase in X plan over V plan; *Actual expenditure

3.3. Manpower 3.3.1. Central Potato Research Institute With increase in research activities of the institute the manpower also increased over the period. This increase in manpower is depicted in Table 4. However, due to 10% cut imposed by the Council on sanctioned positions and ban on direct recruitment there had been reduction in manpower from 1997 onwards. 3.3.2. All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato Manpower under AICRP (Potato) over different plan periods is shown in Table 5.
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Table 4: Manpower at CPRI over different plan periods Plan Pre-Plan 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th In position as on 31.03.2007 *Excluding one RMP Table 5: Manpower under AICRP (Potato) over different plan periods Plan 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th In position as on 31.03.2007 11 39 39 46 38 38 38 37 Sanctioned manpower under categories Scientific Technical Administrative 32 47 47 41 30 30 30 30 9 14 14 12 9 9 9 9 Auxiliary Supporting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 13 13 12 11 11 11 11 60 113 113 111 88 88 88 87 Total 17 28 48 78 122 202 210 212 180 160 135 109 Sanctioned manpower under categories Scientific Technical Administrative 10 24 54 74 89 182 200 205 205 240 224 207 9 23 36 52 70 131 139 141 146 139 127 122 Auxiliary Supporting 0 1 5 12 21 53 54 54 56 00 00 00 20 30 35 47 180 272 278 280 272 258 220 211 56 106 178 263 482 840 881 892 859 797 706 649* Total

4. SALIENT RESEARCH ACHIVEMENTS 4.1. Centarl Potato Research Institute Establishment of a germplasm collection having 1500 accessions of Solanum tuberosum ssp. tuberosum, 800 accessions of Solanum tuberosum ssp andigena, and 450 accessions of wild and semi cultivated species. This collection is being maintained, evaluated and utilized for breeding potato varieties possessing tolerance to biotic/abiotic stresses and other desirable attributes such as high yield, adaptability, tuber characters, keeping quality and processing attributes.
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Developed 42 high-yielding varieties belonging to early (70-80 days), medium (90-100 days) and late (100-110 days) maturity groups (Table 6; Fig. 2). These varieties are suitable for growing in the plains, north Indian hills and other special problem areas like plateau region, Sikkim and north Bengal hills, and south Indian hills (Fig. 3). All the varieties developed for hills and newly released medium duration varieties for the plains possess resistance to late blight. Varieties with resistance/tolerance to cyst nematodes, wart, viruses, frost, water stress, and high thermo-periods have also been bred to address specific problems. Of the 42 varieties developed, 14 possess multiple resistances to different biotic and abiotic stresses. Besides, 7 varieties are suitable for processing.

Fig 2. Improved potato varieties developed by CPRI

Table 6: Indian potato varieties developed by the CPRI Variety Kufri Kisan Kufri Kuber Kufri Kumar Year of release 1958 1958 1958 Salient features Late maturing; tuber white, large, round, and with deep eyes Areas of adaptation North Indian plains

Early maturing; tuber white, medium, oval and North Indian plains and tapering towards crown ends; resistant to PLRV Plateau regions Late maturing; tuber white, medium, oval and tapering toward heel ends; moderately resistant to late blight Medium maturing; tuber white, round to oval and flattened; moderately resistant to late blight North Indian hills

Kufri Kundan

1958

North Indian hills

Contd...... 9

Variety Kufri Red Kufri Safed Kufri Neela Kufri Sindhuri

Year of release 1958 1958 1963 1967

Salient features

Areas of adaptation

Medium maturing; tuber red, medium and round North eastern plains with deep eyes Late maturing; tuber white, medium round with picked red-purple eyes Late maturing; tuber white, medium round with deep eyes; moderately resistant to late blight Late maturing; tuber red, medium, round with deep eyes; moderately resistant to late blight; tolerant to PLRV, drought and heat stresses Medium maturing; tuber white, large, oblong with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight North Indian plans South Indian hills North Indian plains

Kufri Alankar

1968

North Indian plans

Kufri Chamatkar 1968 Kufri Chandramukhi Kufri Jeevan 1968 1968

Late maturing; tuber white, medium, round with North Indian plains deep eyes; resistant to early blight Early maturing; tuber white, large, oval with fleet eyes; susceptible to late blight Late maturing; tuber white, medium, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight and wart; moderately resistant to early blight Medium maturing; tuber white, large, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to wart; moderately resistant to early and late blight Late maturing; tuber white, medium, round to oval with deep eyes; resistant to late blight and moderately resistant to early blight Late maturing; tuber white, medium, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight and wart Late maturing; tuber white, medium, oval, flattened with fleet eyes; moderately resistant to late blight Medium maturing; tuber white, medium, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to frost Medium maturing; tuber white, large, round to oval with medium deep eyes; moderately resistant to late blight Early maturing; tuber white, large, round, fleet eyes; heat tolerant Late maturing; tuber white, medium, round with deep and picked purple eyes; resistant to frost North Indian plains & plateau regions North Indian hills

Kufri Jyoti

1968

North Indian hills & plains; South Indian hills North eastern hills

Kufri Khasigaro 1968

Kufri Naveen

1968

North eastern hills South Indian hills

Kufri Neelamani 1968

Kufri Sheetman 1968 Kufri Muthu 1971

North western plains South Indian hills

Kufri Lauvkar Kufri Dewa

1972 1973

Plateau regions North Indian plains

Contd...... 10

Fig 3. Popular Indian potato varieties in India

Variety Kufri Badshah

Year of release 1979

Salient features Medium maturing; tuber white, large, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to PVX; moderately resistant to early and late blights Medium maturing; tuber white, large, round to oval with medium deep eyes Medium maturing; tuber red, large, round with deep eyes; resistant to PVY; moderately resistant to early blight Medium maturing; tuber white, medium, flattened with deep eyes; resistant to wart; moderately resistant to early and late blights Medium maturing; tuber white, large to medium, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to cyst nematodes and late blight Medium maturing; tuber white, medium, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight Early maturing; tuber white, medium, round to oval with fleet eyes; moderately resistant to late blight

Areas of adaptation North Indian plains & plateau regions North Indian plains North Indian plains

Kufri Bahar Kufri Lalima

1980 1982

Kufri Sherpa

1983

North Bengal hills & Sikkim South Indian hills

Kufri Swarna

1985

Kufri Megha Kufri Jawahar

1989 1996

North eastern hills North Indian plains & plateau regions

Contd......

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Variety Kufri Sutlej Kufri Ashoka Kufri Pukhraj

Year of release 1996 1996 1998

Salient features Medium maturing; tuber white, large, oval with fleet eyes; moderately resistant to late blight Early maturing; tuber white, large oval-long with fleet eyes Medium maturing; tuber white, large, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to early blight; moderately resistant to late blight Medium maturing; tuber white, medium to large, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight Medium maturing; tuber white, medium to large, oval with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight; suitable for processing Medium maturing; tuber white, medium, round-oval with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight; tolerant to frost; suitable for processing Medium maturing; tuber white, medium, oval-long flattened with fleet eyes; resistant to late blight; tolerant to frost Medium maturing, tubers pink, medium, oblong with shallow eyes, immune to wart moderately resistant to late blight, slow rate of degeneration Medium maturing, tubers red, medium ovoid with medium deep eyes, moderately resistant to late blight Medium maturing, tubers white, medium, ovoid with medium deep eyes, resistant to late blight and wart Medium maturing, tubers white, medium, round with medium deep eyes, moderately resistant to late blight Medium maturing, tubers white, large ovoid with shallow eyes, heat tolerant, immune to wart Medium maturing, tuber yellow, medium, ovoid with medium deep eyes, resistant to late blight, suitable for processing Medium maturing, tubers white medium, ovoid with shallow eyes, moderately resistant to late blight Medium maturing, tubers white, medium, round with shallow eyes, resistant to late blight. suitable for processing
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Areas of adaptation North Indian plains North Indian plains North Indian plains & plateau regions North Indian hills North Indian plains

Kufri Giriraj Kufri Chipsona-1 Kufri Chipsona-2 Kufri Anand

1998 1998

1998

North Indian plains

1998

North Indian plains

Kufri Kanchan

1999

North-Bengal hills and Sikkim

Kufri Arun

2005

Eastern plains

Kufri Pushkar

2005

North-western IndoGangetic plains North Indian hills

Kufri Shailja

2005

Kufri Surya Kufri Chipsona-3 Kufri Himalini

2006 2006

Plateau region North-Indian plains

2006

North-Indian hills

Kufri Himsona

2007

North-western hills

Some of the Indian potato cultivars are also under commercial cultivation in other countries (Fig. 4).

Fig 4. Indian potato varieties/hybrids under cultivation in other countries

Potato transgenics have been developed for insect resistance (cry1Ab gene), virus resistance (CPPVY gene), superior nutritional quality (AmA1 gene producing essential amino acid rich storage protein), cold chipping (invertase inhibitor gene) and amylase-free starch production (PTGS of GBSS gene). Field-testing of AmA1 transgenics is in advanced stage and some of the promising transgenics are likely to be released for commercial cultivation. Standardized tissue culture techniques for micro-propagation, in vitro conservation of genetic resources and genetic transformation. Meristem culture coupled with micro-propagation has been successfully integrated with potato seed production programme. More than 1300 germplasm accessions have been conserved in in vitro form and we plan to conserve entire germplasm within next 15 years. An efficient method has also been developed for long term cryo-conservation in potato. Molecular characterization of 39 commercial cultivars and 24 advanced hybrids has been done using RAPD and SSRs. Osmotin and invertase inhibitor genes have been cloned from Solanum chacoense. It is envisaged to deploy these genes for management of drought/late blight and cold induced sweetening in potato, respectively. Development of Seed Plot Technique made it possible to carry out disease-free seed production in the plains under low aphid periods (Fig. 5) and establish a national disease-free seed production programme. This programme annually produces about 2600 t of breeders seed, which is sufficient for the countrys requirement if multiplied and utilized properly. The availability of disease free seed in adequate quantities is a major input for significant increase in potato production in the country. Seed Plot Technique was also instrumental in decentralization of potato breeding programme.
13

Fig 5. Seed Plot Technique

This technique enabled seedling raising, evaluation, selection and multiplication of breeding material under disease free condition in the plains. This has greatly helped in development of zone-specific varieties and varietal diversification. Identification of suitable parental lines for production of high yielding botanical seed (TPS) and its use for raising commercial crop in potato seed deficient areas is another important contribution of potato research (Fig. 6). Three TPS populations, viz., HPS I/13, TPS C-3 and 92-PT-27 have been identified for commercialization. However, of late it has been observed that the technology needs some refinements for its successful adoption.

Fig 6. TPS Production technology for raising commercial potato crop

Development of package of practices for different agro-climatic regions of the country. These packages comprise integrated potato production methods for maximizing yields without putting much pressure on scarce resources such as fertilizers and water. To increase potato production per unit area and efficient use of scarce resources, the institute has identified profitable potato-based cropping systems in different agro-climates including inter-cropping of potato with sugarcane and wheat (Fig. 7). Optimal schedules for integrated management of fertilizers, water and weeds in these intensive cropping systems have also been worked out.
14

Fig 7. Intensive cropping systems in plains

Radio tracer studies showed that farmyard manure reduced transformation of fertilizer P to Fe-P thus increasing Solution-P in acidic soils where P fixation is a major problem. Studies also indicated significant contribution of Solution-P, Ca-P and Al-P in meeting phosphorus needs of potatoes. Auto radiographs indicated significant movement of sulphate ions in the soil profile in soils of Himachal Pradesh whereas that of phosphate movement was restricted to top 20 cm layer only. Auto-radio graph showed a dense root mass of potato plant grown with integrated use of P and FYM. Radiotracer studies involving 32P and 86Rb revealed increase in P and K availability to the potato in presence of crop residue of wheat and paddy straw @ 2.5 t/ha in early stages of crop growth. Use of GIS for spatial and temporal diversification of potato crop was undertaken. Cursory look at the meteorological and soil data indicated that potato cultivation is possible in many additional locations other than Indo-Gangetic plains. Using GIS, these places have been identified for spatial diversification. Temporal diversification is possible through increase in the area and productivity of early and spring crops in the northern Indo-Gangetic plains. This is expected to spread the availability of fresh potato for a long period and reduce the gluts. Potato model (INFOCROP-POTATO) has been developed to determine the best growing period, yield potential during the growing period, the optimum management practices to achieve the yield potential and also to develop new efficient cropping systems. There is much scope for use of remote sensing in potato development. The tool is being used for estimation of acreage and production prior to harvest so that proper planning can be made in advance for marketing, storage, etc. Potato Pest Manager for management of important insect pests and diseases has been developed. Late blight forecasting systems were developed for the hills and plains to manage this dreaded disease. These have been instrumental in reducing the labour and cost on plant protection by avoiding unnecessary and untimely use of fungicides. In order to make potato cultivation eco-friendly, integrated packages of practices for management of late blight, bacterial wilt, viruses and soil & tuber-borne diseases, potato tuber moth (PTM) and cyst
15

nematodes were developed. These packages included host resistance, sanitation, crop rotations, use of safer chemicals, predators, bio-control agents, botanicals and agronomic practices. Standardized sensitive virus detection methods such as ELISA, ISEM and NASH (Fig. 8). These methods are of great help in eliminating quarantine pathogens from the imported germplasm material

Fig 8. Sensitive virus detection techinques

having low concentration of viruses/viroids and also testing of mericlones. Besides, deployment of these methods in seed production resulted in zeroing the virus incidence in basic/nucleus seed. Improvised low cost on-farm storage structures that can hold table/processing potatoes for 3-4 months in north Indian plains have been developed (Fig. 9).

Fig 9. Cost effective on-farm storage structure operating without energy

Storage of table and processing potatoes at 3-4 0C in cold stores leads to accumulation of reducing sugars which makes tubers unfit for processing. Institute has standardized method of storing potatoes at elevated temperature (10-12 0C) by CIPC spray to check sprout growth. This has revolutionized continuous availability of raw material for processing in the country. Dissemination of technologies is one of the major activities of CPRI. This is achieved through technical/ extension bulletins, training courses and several other programmes like Lab-to-Land, ORP, TAD, IVLP and TAR.
16

To pool resources and expertise in the country, several research and development linkages have been developed by CPRI. The organizations involved are: CIP, Lima, Peru; Cornell University USA; Wisconsin University, USA; NRCPB, IARI, New Delhi; CTRI, Rajhamundri; NCIPM, New Delhi; NCPGR, New Delhi; TERI, New Delhi; BARC, Trombay; Space Application Centre, ISRO Ahmedabad; NDDB, New Delhi; NRM, New Delhi; United Phosphorus, New Delhi; Global Agri System, Delhi; Me Cains Food India Pvt. Ltd., Delhi; KF Biotech, Pune; Pepsi Foods, Gurgaon; M/ s Agrico Quality Ltd. Kolkata; M/S Chambal Agritech, New Delhi; HP University, Shimla; IHBT; HPKVV, Palampur and IGNOU, Shimla.

4.2. All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato Since the inception of AICPIP in 1970-71, several hybrids were evaluated in the multilocation trials under the project, and 17 hybrids have already been released as varieties for different regions. Standardized the techniques for commercial production of hybrid TPS under short day conditions in the plains. Technologies for raising planting material (seedlings/seedling tubers) from TPS and their utilization for producing ware potato crop were developed. Three promising TPS families (HPS-I/ 13, TPS C-3 and 92-PT-27) have been recommended for release. Identified optimum time of planting, seed rates and seed size for efficient use of resources and inputs in different regions of the country. Established fertilizer needs of potato crop in different agro-eco-regions on the mode and time of fertilizer application, responses to nutrients and their residual effects on subsequent crops vis--vis nitrogen needs of potato when planted on different dates at a particular location. Worked out irrigation schedules/water requirement of potato crop based on the prevailing soil types and climatic conditions, and the effect of mulching on the yield and water use efficiency. Identified pre- and post-emergence weedicides for the control of weeds in the potato crop. Identified remunerative potato-based cropping sequences (Potato-Jute-Paddy in West Bengal; PotatoWatermelon-Cowpea in tarai area of UP; Potato-Okra-Soyabean in Satpura plateau; Potato-Rice (Summer)-Rice (kharif) in Assam; Potato-Spinach-Radish in Srinagar) and inter cropping of maize (after every row of potato with full N and half of P & K at potato planting) in rabi along with potato provided additional returns to the farmers over the sole crop of maize in Satpura plateau of MP. Identified suitable varieties of potato, rice and wheat for diversifying potato cultivation in the ricewheat system and to bring more area under potato for enhancing its production and productivity. Mulching of early potato crop with paddy straw, paddy husk, maize and Dhaincha sticks was found beneficial at many centres. Bio-fertilizers, viz., Azotobacter and phosphosolubilizing bacteria (PSB), increased potato yield and economize on the P doses. Developed spray schedule using systemic and contact fungicides either alone or in combination for control of late blight on the popular potato varieties in north-western plains, north-eastern plains and the central plains. Standardized and recommended boric acid treatment (3% boric acid for 30 min.) as dip/spray against tuber borne diseases like black scurf and common scab to replace environmentally hazardous organomercurial compounds (OMCs). Standardized package for managing potato stem necrosis disease in warmer areas. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Granulosis virus (GV) were effective as bio-control agents in controlling white grubs and potato tuber moth (PTM) respectively. Identified the suitability of heap storage for potato at harvest in different potato growing regions.
17

5. IMPACT 5.1. Growth 5.1.1. Increase in Area, Production and Productivity The impact of extensive potato research and development in the country during last 55 years had been phenomenal in all aspects of potato production. The crop has witnessed 5.6 time increase in area, 15.6 time increase in production and 2.7 time increase in productivity during the period 1949-50 to 2004-2005 (Fig. 10). The area, yield and production in 1949-50 was 0.234 million ha, 6.59 t/ha and 1.54 million tonnes, respectively. Averaged over last three years (2002-2003 to 2004-05), the country produced 23.31 million tonnes of potatoes from an area of 1.26 million hectares with an average yield of 17.20 t/ha.

Fig 10. Per cent increase in area, productivity and production of potato over 1949-50.
(Source:DES, MoA, Govt. of India)

Based on average area and production during last five years (2001-05), India ranks 4th in area and 3rd in production in the world (Fig. 11)

Fig 11. India ranks 4th in area and 3rd in potato production. (Source: FAOSTAT 2006) 18

The annual compound growth rates (ACGRs) of potato for increase in area and production during the periods 1980-90; 1990-2000 and 2000-2004 were highest among the major food crops in India (Table 7). Table 7: Annual compound growth rates (ACGRs) for major food crops during 1980-81 to 20032004 (Base: TE 1981-82 = 100) Crop ACGRs during 1980-81 to1989-90 A* Rice Wheat Total food grains Potato 0.41 0.46 -0.23 2.90 P 3.62 3.57 2.85 5.17 Y 3.19 3.10 2.74 2.20 ACGRs during 1990-91 to 1999-2000 A 0.62 1.67 -0.17 3.72 P 1.90 3.81 1.94 5.19 Y 1.27 2.11 1.52 1.41 ACGRs during 2000-01 to 2003-2004 A 0.44 -0.18 2.20 P Y 0.86 0.41 -1.66 -2.63 -1.79 0.23 0.50

-0.11 -0.54

* A = Area; P = Production and Y = Yield (Source: DES, MoA, Govt. of India)

Development of improved potato varieties, Seed Plot Technique, region specific package of practices and initiation of national seed production programme and AICRP (Potato) were collectively responsible for improving potato productivity in the country (Fig. 12).

Fig 12. Impact of improved potato varieties and technologies on potato yield in India

5.1.2. Potato Seed Production The development of Seed Plot Technique opened up new avenues for potato seed production in Indian tropics and sub-tropics. In addition to Kufri and Fagu in Shimla hills, the CPRI could produce breeders seed in new areas i.e. at Modipuram (Uttar Pradesh), Jalandhar (Punjab), Patna (Bihar) and Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). This seed is supplied to the State Departments of Agriculture/Horticulture for further multiplication in three stages, viz., foundation-I, -II, and certified seed. Although we do not have any data on production of certified seed by the State Departments of Horticulture/Agriculture, it is expected that the breeders seed would have been multiplied 216 times (6 times in each stage). In recent past CPRI had been supplying 2000t breeders seed to these departments annually. If multiplied properly, this would produce about 432,000t of certified seed. With the average prevailing price of imported potato seed (US $ 1120 of per t), the country saves about 484 million US $ or Rs. 17424 million annually on import of potato seed.
19

Prior to the development of Seed Plot Technique, the main sources of potato seed were high and mid hills, and north-eastern plains. Though the seed produced in high hills did meet the requirement of health standards, it was not physiologically suitable for planting main crop in the plains because of dormancy. The seed produced in mid hills and north-eastern plains did not meet health requirements. With the advent of Seed Plot Technique, new seed producing areas in north Indian plains emerged which led to the establishment of new seed channels in the country (Fig. 13). 5.2. Input/Output Assessment The above impact was achieved through development of improved varieties and technologies by CPRI and AICRP (Potato) at a total expenditure of Rs. 196 crores during the period 1956 to 2005-2006. In the year 2004-2005, India produced 23.63 million tonnes of potatoes amounting to Rs. 9948 crores. The research investment in this year had been Rs. 19.70 crores, which is only 0.15 % of total value out put by the potato. It shows that the investment in potato research had been highly productive. Potato also contributes handsomely to the national economy in agricultural sub-sector. Averaged over the period 2000-01 to 2002-03, although potato was cultivated on only 0.66% of total cropped area in India, it contributed over 1.74% to the aggregate value of output from agricultural sector. The monetary

*= The figures indicate calendar months i.e. 1= January to 12= December

Fig. 13: Movement of potato seed in India before and after development of Seed Plot Technique (Green and red arrows indicate healthy and unhealthy movement, respectively). 20

contributions by the principal cereal crops like rice and wheat were much less when the area occupied by these crops was considered. The average ratios of per cent value output to the per cent cropped area for rice, wheat and potato during this period were 0.75, 0.60 and 2.64, respectively (Table 8). Table 8: Per cent area and contribution to value of agricultural output in India by rice, wheat and potato. Crop Rice Wheat Potato 2000-2001 A* 13.56 0.64 V* 8.18 1.31 23.56 16.38 2001-2002 A V 23.20 19.08 13.66 8.08 0.64 2.08 2002-2003 A 13.30 0.71 V 8.11 1.83 21.30 15.57 Average Av. V/A ratio A 13.51 0.66 V 0.75 0.60 2.64 8.12 1.74 22.69 17.01

* A = % of gross cropped area; V = % of total agricultural value output.

5.3. Shortcomings The emphasis in potato research in India in the past had been on the development of high yielding varieties, standardization of packages of practices, increasing availability of disease-free seed and plant protection mainly through chemicals for sustaining growth in potato production. However, certain areas received relatively less importance, considering the problems of the crop at that time. These need to be addressed now in light of the changed national/international scenarios. Some of these areas are: Potato improvement For sustaining potato production and productivity in the country, continued efforts are needed to develop varieties that are early bulking; field resistant to late blight; tolerant to viruses, high temperature and other abiotic stresses, and suitable for processing. Now we are at the cross-roads where concerted efforts are needed to develop internationally acceptable varieties which produce medium-large oblong tubers having yellow flesh, uniform distribution of dry matter, less black spot bruising, lesser glycoalkaloids, longer shelf life and firm cooking quality. Growing demand for baby potatoes and organically grown potatoes calls for development of varieties and technologies suited for these purposes. The ease with which processed potato products are exported, there is an urgent need to accelerate development of different types of varieties that can be grown in varied agro-climates of the country and processed into different products particularly for French fries. Potato production Although, potato productivity in India is little better than world average, it is much lower than many countries of Europe and America. Potato crop in these temperate countries is grown under long days and long growing season of 160-180 days. In contrast, majority of the crop in India is grown in sub-tropical plains under short days and short growing season of 90 days. Low productivity can also be attributed to the fact that potato in India is produced by small and marginal farmers on small holdings. Levels of adoption of improved varieties and technologies also vary from place to palce in the country. This has resulted in alarming productivity gaps in different states, which need to be narrowed through development of efficient farming practices including intensive farming and use of modern techniques such as simulation modelling and expert systems. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and irrigation water has led to the development of sick soils and environmental degradation in many parts of the country. This calls for immediate attention on integrated use of water and nutrients in cropping systems. Potato is a high input high return crop, therefore, to make potato production globally competitive we have to reduce cost of potato production.
21

Potato protection Late blight and viral degeneration of seed stocks are major problems of potato cultivation in India. These problems are further aggravated by incidence of wide range of other biotic stresses and emergence of new pathogens and pests. The use of large quantities of pesticides has resulted in problems related to environment, residues, and resistance development in pests. Thus, there is a need to develop eco-friendly disease/pest management practices to boost potato production without compromising on aforesaid issues. Minimum commercial quality requirements fall under the WTO-TBT agreement. According to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) under the WTO/SPS agreement, presence and/or absence of the pathogens are major quality criteria. Therefore, to promote export of Indian potatoes, there is an urgent need to develop pest risk analysis for both export and import purpose. Post, harvest technology With increase in potato production, recurring gluts are common in the country. The prices crash drastically during months of plenty leading to panic sale by the farmers resulting in heavy monetary losses. Lack of improvised on-farm storage structures, lack of elevated temperature storage facilities, high postharvest losses, low domestic utilization and processing are the major problems of potato utilization in the country. There is also need for developing novel potato products which are nationally/internationally acceptable, economically viable, healthy and environment friendly. Planting material Availability of pathogen-free planting material is most important in potato production. Low rate of multiplication necessitates several field multiplication of initial disease-free material, causing progressive accumulation of degenerative viral diseases in seed tubers. The seed related problems are further aggravated due to limited availability of suitable seed producing areas (vector- and other objectionable diseases/ insects-free areas). The most deficient states in this respect are NEH region, Maharashtra, Karnataka, W. Bengal, Orissa and Gujarat. Other issues of potato seed production that need attention are high production cost, lower proportion of seed size tubers and inadequate efforts to integrate modern seed multiplication techniques in initial stages of breeders seed production. Besides, partnership needs to be developed with private sector and/or Government agencies for augmenting supply of quality seed especially to non-traditional potato producing areas. Social science For sustaining potato production and productivity in the country there is an urgent need to conduct studies on (i) estimation/assessment of price fluctuations, (ii) market intelligence, (iii) demand and production of processed products in organized and unorganized sectors, (iv) use of modern techniques for area estimation and (v) marketing system for domestic use and exports. Low knowledge level of farmers and farm women with regard to potato technologies, low adoption rate of many potato technologies, low knowledge level of state extension functionaries with regard to the recent research developments in potato are some of the factors responsible for low yields in many states. Efforts are, therefore, needed to technologically empower farmers and extension functionaries of these areas. Biotechnology To harness maximum benefits of biotechnology and for its integration with potato improvement/production activities, there is a need to undertake focused activities on (i) developing robust molecular markers/QTLs
22

for resistance, yield and quality attributes for initiating marker-assisted selection (MAS), (ii) developing antibiotic resistance marker-free genetic engineering protocol, (iii) standardizing efficient chloroplast transformation vis--vis regeneration protocol, (iv) deciphering signal transduction pathways involving cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in complex tuberization process and disease responses, and (v) cloning of desirable genes and promoters and their use for developing transgenic varieties with desired attributes. 5.4. Lessons Learned, Suggestions and Options for the Future Potato has made considerable progress in the country as a result of concerted research and development efforts during last 55 years. Nevertheless, there are problems that need urgent attention in view of the changed scenario. Only a part of the genetic variability available in the potato has been exploited for improving potato varieties. Therefore, the strengthening of existing germplasm resources and their better utilization for incorporating a wider genetic base into our varieties are not just options but imperatives for the future. Although potato is basically a temperate crop, wide variability in adaptation to high temperatures is available in the gene pool. There is a need to develop varieties and agro-techniques that would enable the spread of potatoes to non-traditional areas and seasons. For fitting in intensive cropping sequence including rice-potato-wheat, short duration and early bulking varieties with flexibility in planting and harvesting period need to be developed. Concerted efforts are also needed to develop internationally acceptable varieties producing mediumlarge oblong tubers with yellow flesh, uniform distribution of dry matter, less black spot bruising, lesser glycoalkaloids, longer shelf life and firm cooking quality. Growing demand for baby potatoes and organically grown potatoes also calls for development of varieties and technologies suited for these. In the light of the increased demand for processing varieties, genotypes with high tuber dry matter, high starch and low reducing sugar accumulation during storage need to be developed. To reduce dependence on energy intensive refrigerated storage and to avoid sweetening and the consequent deterioration of tuber quality under refrigeration, there is a need to standardize and refine storage technology for storing tubers at 10-12 0C. Also varieties with good keeping quality and accumulating less reducing sugars at low temperature can facilitate such type of storage. Low-input, sustainable and environment-friendly agro-techniques which reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, toxic systemic pesticides, etc. need to be developed. Water scarcity is likely to be a serious problem in near future. Development of drought tolerant varieties and site specific integrated water and nutrient management technologies would address this problem to a greater extent. 6. POTATO PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION: GLOBAL SCENARIO Due to its diversified uses in the developed countries as food, feed and raw material for producing starch and alcohol, the potato is generally thought to be a crop confined to these nations. However, in the last four and half decades, potato production is shifting from the developed countries to the developing ones. The world output of potato has ranged between 270 and 321.06 million tonnes annually during the period 1961 to 2005. However, the pattern of production amongst the developed and the developing countries has considerably changed over this period.
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6.1. Area Today potato is grown in about 18.64 million ha in 150 countries. The share of developing countries in world potato area has risen from 15.1% in 1961 to 51.0% in 2005. Share of developed countries has correspondingly decreased from 84.9% to 49.0%. This negative growth for area in developed countries has resulted in an overall decrease in the world potato area from 22.15 million ha to 18.64 million ha. (Fig. 14). The highest growth rate in area was recorded in Africa followed by Asia and Latin America. In Asia major increase in area was observed in China and India. India alone recorded an increase of about 0.95 million ha under potato cultivation between 1961 and 2005. Averaged over the last five years (20012005), largest potato area in the world lies in China (4.56 million ha), followed by Russian Federation (3.17 million ha) and Ukraine (1.57 million ha) while India with 1.27 million ha is at 4th position.

Fig 14. Changing pattern of area under potato cultivation in different parts of the world
(Source: FAOSTAT, 2006)

Continent-wise distribution of potato area is shown in figure 15. In the year 2005, over three fourth of the potato area was in Europe and Asia, and rest in Africa, North Central America, South America and Oceania. Potato area as percentage of total cropped area varied from 0.3% in USA and Brazil to 19.9% in the Netherlands. Thus, the Netherlands is the most specialised potato producing country in the world followed by Belarus (11%), Poland (9%), Colombia (8%) and Peru (7%). Per capita potato area is high in Belarus (660 m2) and neighbouring countries of eastern Europe, where potato is the staple food and is also used as feed. In contrast, low per capita potato area in major potato producing countries of Asia, viz., China (27 m2) and India (14 m2) is due to use of potato merely as a vegetable.

Fig 15. Continent-wise distribution of potato area in 2005 24

6.2. Productivity According to the FAO data, average potato productivity in the world during the last five years (2001-2005) was 16.7 t/ha. It ranged from about 2 t/ha in Swaziland in Africa to 44.9 t/ha in New Zealand in Oceania. Rapid increase in potato productivity in developing countries during the ninteties significantly reduced the productivity gap existed among developed and developing countries in 1961 (Fig. 16).

Fig 16. Potato productivity in different parts of the world during 1961 to 2005
(Source: FAOSTAT, 2006)

Maximum productivity was recorded in North Central America (36.37 t/ha) and it was least in Africa (11.34 t/ha) (Table 9). In SAARC region, potato productivity was the highest in India (18.39 t/ha) followed by Pakistan (17.07 t/ha), Bangladesh (13.64 t/ha), Sri Lanka (13.48 t/ha), Nepal (11.07 t/ha) and Bhutan (8.4 t/ha). Table 9: Continent-wise average potato productivity during last five years (2001-2005) Continent Africa Asia Europe North Central America Oceania South America
(Source: FAOSTAT, 2006)

Av. Productivity (t/ha) 11.34 16.14 16.40 36.38 37.00 15.56

Productivity range 2 t/ha in Swaziland to 33.10 t/ha in South Africa 6.1 t/ha in Turkmenistan to 34.45 t/ha in Israel 8.34 t/ha in Republic of Moldova to 44.11 t/ha in Belgium 3.50 t/ha in Montserrat to 41.84 t/ha in USA 4.54 t/ha in Papua New Guinea to 44.89 t/ha in New Zealand 5.90 t/ha in Parggung to 27.84 t/ha in Argentina

6.3. Production In fact, during the last five decades, the concentration of potato production has been shifting from developed countries to developing countries. In 1961, potatoes in developing countries accounted for 10.5% of the global output. Today, 47% of potatoes comes from doveleping countries in the world. Total potato production in the world during 1961 to 2005 increased from 270.5 million t to 321.06 million t. Although the productivity in the developed countries has increased from 12.88 t/ha to 18.6 t/ha during this period, the production in these countries was reduced from 242.11 million t to 169.83 million t due to reduction in area has been from 18.8 million ha to 9.12 million ha. On the contrary, increase in area (from
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3.35 million ha to 9.52 million ha) and productivity (from 8.49 t/ha to 15.9 t/ha) in the developing countries resulted in an enhanced potato production from 28.44 million t to 151.24 million t (Fig. 17).

Fig 17. Increase in potato production in the world and developing countries during 1961 to 2005
(Source: FAOSTAT, 2006)

Averaged over 2001 to 2005, Europe and Asia alone accounted for 82% of total potato production in the world (Table 10). In developing countries, Asia accounts for 83.8% of the 151.24 million tonnes of potatoes produced. The three largest producers in Asia are China (69.2 million tonnes), India (23.3 million tonnes) and Turkey (4.9 million tonnes). China and India ranked first and third largest potato producing countries in the world during this period. The developing countries are expanding potato production for several reasons (i) potato crop produces more edible energy and protein per unit time and area compared to many other food crops; (ii) for the small and marginal farmers, potato fits well into multiple cropping systems prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical agro-climatic conditions; (iii) the high profitability of potato as a commercial crop has given a big boost to potato cultivation and (iv) rapid technological advances mainly improved varieties, agro-techniques, irrigation, etc. in developing countries have stimulated expansion of potato production even in non-traditional environments. Table 10: Continent-wise average potato production (million t) during 2001-2005 and major potato producing countries Continent Av. Annual Production Africa Asia Europe 14.19 126.73 135.50 Major potato producing countries Egypt (2.2)*, Malawi (1.7), South Africa (1.7), Algeria (1.6) and Morocco (1.4) China (69.2), India (23.3) and Turkey (4.9) Russian Federation (35.4), Poland (14.7), Ukraine (18.5), Germany (11.6), Belarus (8.4), Netherlands (7.1) and UK (6.4) USA (20.3), Canada (4.9) and Mexico (1.7) Australia (1.3) Colombia (2.8), Peru (3.1), Argentina (2.2), Brazil (3.0) and Chile (1.2)

North 27.6 Central America Oceania 18 South America 14.0

*Figures in parentheses indicate average annual potato production (million t) (Source; FAOSTAT, 2006) 26

6.4. Potato Utilization 6.4.1. Domestic use Potato is the staple food in Europe and North America and almost a vegetable in rest of the world including India. The diversified uses of potato cover fresh food, processed products, animal feed, seed and raw material for industries (mainly starch). Potato utilisation patterns in major potato producing regions of the world are given in Table 11. In developing countries about 70% potatoes are consumed as fresh food i.e. vegetable, 10% as feed, 6.4% as seed, 4.6% for processing and 9% goes as waste. Per capita supply of potatoes in these countries (20.9 kg/year) is much lesser than that of developed countries (74.3 kg/year). In developed world more potatoes are used for seed, animal feed, processing and other industrial uses. Hance wastage is less. Therefore, with increase in potato production there is a need for its diversified utilization particularly in developing countries to avoid glut like situations and reduce wastage. In recent years the demand for processed potato products in international market has risen at a fast pace due to increased urbanization, rise in per capita income, increase in number of working women and expanding tourism. In most of the developing countries, home-scale processing of potato is common. However, in comparison to developed countries, the progress in potato processing under organized sector is not much visible in these countries. Table 11: Potato utilisation patterns and per capita supply in major potato producing regions in 2003 Country Food Africa Asia Europe N. C. America Oceania S. America Developed countries Developing countries World 6.4.2. Export Export of an agricultural commodity is determined by four factors i.e. export surplus, quality production based on phyto-sanitary standards, comparative economic advantage, infrastructural support and countrys export policy. Only 2 to 3% of 321 million tonnes of world potato production is traded internationally. Import and export of fresh potatoes in and from developed countries account for 83 and 86% of total world trade, respectively, with North-Central America and Oceania being net exporters (Table 12). Twenty one countries of the world account for worlds 77% fresh potato imports and 86% exports. Major net importers of fresh potatoes in the world are Algeria, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Russian Federation, Spain, Sri Lanka, UK, USA and Uzbekistan. While major net exporters are Belarus, Belgium-Luxembourg, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany and Turkey. Although India contributes 7.55 % to the total world potato production, its share (0.3%) in worlds fresh potato export is insignificant.
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Utilization of potato (%) for Feed 2.1 11.0 22.7 0.85 4.2 3.2 18.5 9.6 14.7 Seed Processing Waste 9.7 5.9 16.6 5.5 10.0 10.5 14.6 6.4 11.0 Nil 5.5 4.9 NA 5.2 0.6 4.1 4.6 4.3 10.2 8.1 6.6 11.3 2.0 12.4 7.1 9.1 8.0 77.2 69.0 46.0 NA 78.5 72.5 52.3 69.7 59.8

Per capita supply (kg/yr) Other* 0.8 0.5 3.2 5.8 0.1 0.8 3.4 0.6 2.2 11.4 23.2 93.6 46.9 45.6 29.8 74.3 20.9 32.5

* Other industrial uses (Source: FAOSTAT, 2006)

Table 12: Region-wise import and export of fresh potatoes in the world
Region Potato production (000 t) 10618.52 110840.93 140621.96 27986.41 1779.69 13837.33 177809.90 305758.20 Import Quantity (000 t)(I) 380.48 902.42 5481.82 841.25 22.97 146.71 6416.80 7775.66 % Share of total world imports 4.89 11.61 70.50 10.82 0.29 1.89 82.52 100.00 Export Quantity (000 t)(E) 331.60 741.24 5482.28 872.53 62.24 77.24 6487.45 7567.12 Trade balance % Share of total (000 t)(E-I) world exports 4.38 9.80 72.45 11.53 0.82 1.02 85.73 100.00 -48.88 -161.18 +0.46 +31.28 +39.27 -69.47 +70.65 -208.54

Africa Asia Europe N. C. America Oceania South America Developed Countries World

Five year average for the period 2000-2004; Five year average for the period 2000-2004 (Source: FAOSTAT, 2006)

Developed countries are also major players in import and export of frozen potatoes and account for 83 and 86% of total world trade, respectively, with Europe, North-Central America, Oceania and Africa being net exporters (Table 13). Only twenty countries account for worlds 86% frozen potato import and 99% exports. Major net importers of frozen potatoes in the world are USA, UK, France, Japan and Germany, while Netherlands, Canada and Belgium are net exporters. The export share of developing countries for fresh potatoes (14.3%) and frozen potatoes (2.9%) is not commensurate with their contribution to world potato production (47%). Potato export from developing countries faces several constraints. For promotion of export of fresh potatoes and processed potato products from these countries, concrete measures need to be undertaken. Surveys of potential export markets and strengthening of suitable infrastructure for export like cold storage, surface transportation and shipping facilities are some of the essential components for successful exports. The database on potato exports, price, grade standards, phyto-sanitary standards, processing standards, consumer preferences, seed standards, etc. need to be prepared for all importing countries so that all information is readily available to the exporters and manufacturers. Table 13: Region-wise import and export of frozen potatoes in the world
Region Potato production (000 t) 10618.52 110840.93 140621.96 27986.41 1779.69 13837.33 177809.90 305758.20 Import Quantity (000 t)(I) 10.21 466.43 1463.06 478.04 21.18 102.33 2152.50 2541.25 % Share of total world imports 0.40 18.35 57.57 18.81 0.83 4.03 84.70 100.00 Export Quantity (000 t)(E) 9.53 28.33 1550.77 944.61 22.83 39.69 2519.46 2595.77 Trade balance % Share of total (000 t)(E-I) world exports 0.37 1.09 59.74 36.39 0.88 1.53 97.06 100.00 -0.68 -438.10 +87.71 +466.57 +1.65 -62.64 +366.96 +54.52

Africa Asia Europe North-Central America Oceania South America Developed countries World

Five year average for the period 2000-2004 (Source: FAOSTAT, 2006)

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7. POTATO PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION: INDIAN SCENARIO 7.1. Area, Production and Productivity The impact of extensive potato research and development in the country during last fifty six years had been phenomenal in all aspects of potato production (Table 14). Averaged over last six years (1999-2000 to 2004-05), the country has produced 23.52 million tonnes of potatoes from an area of 1.283 million hectares with an average yield of 18.36 t/ha (Tables 14 & 15). Potato productivity in India is much lower than many countries of the Europe and America as crop in these temperate countries is grown under long days and long growing season of 160-180 days (Table 16). In contrast, more than 90 percent of the crop in India is grown in sub-tropical plains under short days and short growing season of 90 days. If potato productivity is expressed in terms of per unit area and time, India is likely to rank 1st for potato productivity in the world. Table 14: Area, production and productivity of potato from 1949 to 2005 in India Period 1949-50 1954-55 1959-60 1964-65 1969-70 1974-75 1979-80 1984-85 1989-90 1994-95 1999-00 Av. area (million ha) Av. production (million tonnes) Av. productivity(t/ha) to 1953-54 to 1958-59 to 1963-64 to 1968-69 to 1973-74 to 1978-79 to 1983-84 to 1988-89 to 1993-94 to 1998-99 to 2004-05 0.249 0.300 0.305 0.480 0.504 0.662 0.742 0.868 1.002 1.192 1.283 1.772 1.938 2.772 4.034 4.572 7.796 10.004 12.928 15.798 20.344 23.517 7.15 6.50 7.18 8.38 9.09 11.74 13.45 14.86 15.79 17.03 18.357

(Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi)

Table 15: Area, production and yield of potato in major potato producing states of India 2004-05 State Andhra Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Assam Bihar Chhatisgarh** Gujrat Haryana Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Area (000 ha) 2.4 (0.19) 4.5 (0.36) 78.7 (6.24) 145.5 (11.54) 9.1 (0.72) 33.6 (2.66) 15.5 (1.23) 12.5 (0.99) 1.9 (0.15) 42.9 (3.40) 33.4 (2.65) Production (000 tonnes) 15.90 (0.07) 31.70 (0.14) 629.20 (2.71) 1416.50 (6.10) 71.00 (0.31) 766.00 (3.30) 294.50 (1.27) 147.70 (0.64) 21.20 (0.09) 363.00 (1.56) 409.70 (1.76) Yield (t/ha) 6.63 7.04 7.99 9.74 7.80 22.80 19.0 11.82 11.16 8.46 12.27
Contd...... 29

State Maharashtra Manipur Meghalaya Mizoram Nagaland Orissa Punjab Rajasthan Sikkim Tamil Nadu Tripura Uttar Ptradesh Uttaranchal** West Bengal Delhi All India

Area (000 ha) 16.5 (1.31) 2.9 (0.23) 18.8 (1.49) 0.4 (0.03) 4.5 (0.36) 7.6 (0.60) 65.7 (5.21) 2.8 (0.22) 6.3 (0.50) 4.9 (0.39) 5.5 (0.44) 410.5 (32.56) 16.9 (1.34) 315.9 (25.05) 1.7 (0.13) 1260.9 (100.0)

Production (000 tonnes) 75.20 (0.32) 16.00 (0.07) 158.60 (0.68) 2.50 (0.01) 39.10 (0.17) 78.20 (0.34) 1329.20 (5.72) 27.70 (0.12) 25.50 (0.11) 90.80 (0.39) 102.30 (0.44) 9409.90 (40.51) 195.90 (0.84) 7499.30 (32.28) 14.60 (0.06) 23231.20 (100.00)

Yield (t/ha) 4.56 5.52 8.44 6.25 8.69 10.29 20.23 9.89 4.05 18.53 18.60 22.92 11.59 23.74 8.59 18.42

** Data for last two years, Figures in parenthesis are percent of the total. (Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi.)

Table 16: Average area, yield and production in 15 major potato producing countries of the world (Five-year average 2001-2005) Country Belarus Canada China France Germany India Islamic Rep. of Iran Japan Netherlands Poland Russian Federation Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom USA World Area(million ha) 0.6898 0.1562 4.2467 0.1671 0.2987 1.2915 0.1600 0.0989 0.1816 1.2628 3.2721 0.2098 1.5735 0.1685 0.5380 19.2494 Yield (t/ha) 11.44 28.04 14.24 38.99 40.19 17.84 20.98 30.77 41.61 17.62 10.28 25.59 9.92 40.31 40.04 15.88 Production (million t) 7.88 (2.58) a 4.38 (1.43) 60.22 (19.70) 6.52 (2.13) 12.01 (3.93) 23.09 (7.55) 3.36 (1.10) 3.05 ((1.00) 7.56 (2.47) 22.26 (7.28) 33.66 (11.01) 5.37 (1.76) 15.63 (5.11) 6.79 (2.22) 21.54 (7.04) 305.76 (100)

(Source: FAOSTAT, 2006), Figures in parenthesis are percent of the total. 30

7.2. Utilization 7.2.1. Domestic use In India, in year 2003 about 79.6% potatoes were consumed as fresh food in the form of vegetable, 9.7% as seed, less than 1% were processed, another less than 1% were exported and about 18.3% goes as waste. (FAOSTAT, 2006) 7.2.2. Export On export front, Indias performance has not been commensurate with its global position in potato production. Though India contributes 7.36% to global potato production, its share in world fresh potato exports is 0.75% and that of frozen potatoes it is 0.08%. In our own continent, India contributes 21% to total potato production but its export share in Asian market is only 2% (Fig. 18). European countries still dominate potato trade even in this part of the world.

Fig 18. Scenario of potato production and export from India during 2000-2001 to 2002-2003. (a) Indias share in global potato production and export (b) Export of table potatoes (total = 91308 t to 29 countries) (c) Export of seed potatoes (total = 12525 t to 23 countries) (d) Export of frozen potatoes (total = 26383 t to 19 countries) (e) Export of other potato products (total = 546 t to 18 countries).
(Sources: FAO Database and Monthly Statistics of the Foreign Trade of India. Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India)

7.2.3. Export of Table Potatoes from India Averaged over the last three years (2001-2003) Asian countries impored about nine hundred thousand tonnes of table potatoes annually. Indias average annual export of about eighteen thousand tonnes to Asian countries during this period is hardly 2%. India exported table potatoes to 29 countries during last three years. Sri Lanka and Nepal accounted for 41% and 48% of total fresh potato export from India, respectively. The other important countries that import table potatoes from India are UAE (4.42%) and Mauritius (3.44%). The export of fresh potatoes from India had been marginal and inconsistent. But there is an export on regular basis to Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and UAE.
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7.2.4. Export of Seed Potatoes from India In the last three years (2001-2003) India exported 3891 tonnes of potato seed to 23 countries. Nepal and Sri Lanka alone accounted for 92.5% of total seed export from India. The other regular seed importing countries from India are UAE (4.2%), USA (1%), Singapore (0.8%) and Maldives (0.3%). However, export of seed potatoes from India was not only marginal but inconsistent. 7.2.5. Export of Processed Potato Products from India Although village level potato processing for home consumption is common in India, large scale processing in organized sector for domestic use and export is relatively a new activity in the country. However, in the last few years, processed potato products particularly chips are substantially available in the country. With an increasing demand of such products in urban areas, the potato processing industry in the country has scaled up production. Since the international market for various processed products particularly frozen potatoes is growing rapidly, there is also a need for orienting Indian industries to undertake production and export of these products. The quantity of processed potato products being exported from India is relatively small. About 92% of frozen potato export from India is to Sri Lanka (60.4%), Mauritius (18.0%) and UAE (13.4%). In case of potato chips, five countries account for 86% of the exports from India. These countries are Oman (22.4%), Sri Lanka (19.7%), UAE (16.9%), USA (16.9%) and Maldives (10.0%). Export volume of other processed products from India is low. Annually, India exports about 109 tonnes of other processed potato products mainly to Sri Lanka (63.6%) and USA (12.7%). However, during last two years export of fresh potatoes, potato seed and processed potato products from India is on increase. 8. SWOT ANALYSIS 8.1. Strengths 8.1.1. Strengths of Potato Crop Poverty and large population are persistent problems in India. These problems besides having close relationship with food insecurity are also related to poor health and malnutrition. Food security in India is, therefore, an important national priority. Lester Brown and Hal Kene in their book titled Full House: Reassessing the Earths Carrying Capacity calculated that, if population growth is not arrested, China and India are likely to face serious food shortages by 2030. These shortages would be 216 million tonnes for China and 45 million tonnes for India. The picture on agricultural front is also not encouraging. Increase in population, urbanization and man-made creation of wastelands is shrinking arable land and water resources. The present per capita available land in India is only about 0.15 ha. During last one decade, the major food crops are reaching their practical limits of production and there is very slow genetic improvement in yield levels of these crops. The situation has been further aggravated by declining inputuse efficiency particularly for chemical fertilizers, emergence of resistant pests and diseases and declining output-input ratio. All these factors have resulted in making farming less and less remunerative for resource poor farmers of the country. A short duration crop like potato, which produces more dry matter, edible energy and edible protein per unit land and time compared to other major crops such as wheat, rice and maize (Fig. 19) is a most potential crop for fighting hunger and malnutrition. It is also nutritionally superior (Table 17). Short duration, high yield and wide flexibility in planting and harvesting time are potatos valuable traits that help in adjusting this crop in most of the intensive-cropping systems without putting much pressure on scarce resources such as land, water, fertilizers, etc. It also generates larger returns per unit land and time in comparison to
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other major crops. The average ratio of percent value output to the percent cropped area for potato, wheat, and paddy during the period 2000-01 to 2002-03 were 2.64:1, 0.64:1, and 0.75:1, respectively. Besides the crop also has great potential for employment generation during crop season and post harvest handling.

Fig 19. Potato produces more dry matter, edible energy and protein per unit area and time than other important food crops.
(Source: Gopalan, C, BV Ramashashtri and SC Balsubramanian. 1972. Nutritive Value of Indian Foods. National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India)

8.1.2. Strengths of Potato Research and Development Strong research infrastructure and expert manpower in major potato growing zones of the country. Establishment of a national disease-free seed production programme. India is the only country in South Asia that has such a seed production programme. The success of potato seed production in the country is evident from (i) elimination of countrys dependence on imported seed and (ii) the possibility of potato seed production becoming a financially self-sustaining activity. The latter is backed by the achievements made by CPRI under Revolving Fund Scheme (RFS) on potato seed production (Fig. 20). Indigenous development of 42 high yielding potato varieties suitable for different agro-climatic conditions of the country. Some of these varieties also possess resistances to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Availability of short duration varieties and potato-based intensive cropping technologies for fitting potato crop into intensive cropping systems. These have opened the possibilities for vertical increase in area under potato without affecting area under other crops and improvement in production per unit area and time. The high employment generation potential of potato production. Conventional potato cultivation needs about 250 man-days per hectare. The adoption of TPS-based potato cultivation will further enhance rural development potential. The post-harvest operations are also highly labour intensive. The large cold storage capacity of nearly 19.59 million tonnes (2005) is also responsible for rapid growth of the potato in the country.
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Table 17: Nutritive values of some important food crops (per 100 g edible portion) Nutrients Edible portion (%) Moisture (g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Minerals (g) Fibre (g) Carbohydrates (g) Energy (kcal) Calcium (mg) Phosphorus (mg) Iron (mg) Carotene (mg) Thiamine (mg) Riboflavin (mg) Niacin (mg) Vitamin C (mg) Potato 85.00 74.70 1.60 0.10 0.60 0.40 22.60 97.00 10.00 40.00 0.70 24.00 0.10 0.01 1.20 17.00 Wheat 100.00 12.80 11.80 1.50 1.50 1.20 71.20 346.00 41.00 306.00 4.90 64.00 0.45 0.17 5.50 0.00 Rice 100.00 13.70 6.80 0.50 0.60 0.20 78.20 345.00 10.00 160.00 3.10 0.00 0.06 0.06 1.90 0.00 Maize 100.00 14.90 11.10 3.60 1.50 2.70 66.20 342.00 10.00 348.00 2.00 90.00 0.42 0.10 1.80 0.00 Soybean 100.00 8.10 43.20 19.50 4.60 3.70 20.90 432.00 240.00 690.00 11.50 426.00 0.73 0.39 3.20 -

(Source: Gopalan, C, BV Ramashashtri and SC Balsubramanian. 1972. Nutritive Value of Indian Foods. National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, India)

8.2. Weaknesses The weaknesses of potato crop and research & development are: Semi-perishability: Semi-perishability of potatoes and harvesting of about 90% potatoes in the country at the beginning of summers poses major problem in post harvest management. Sustainability: The potato is a high input requiring crop both during the crop season as well as after the harvest. Besides it has a high impact on the environment. Therefore, sustainable technologies need to be developed for both the pre-harvest and the post-harvest operations. Narrow genetic base: The potato is an introduced crop in India. Indian potato varieties, therefore, have a narrow genetic base. The full genetic variability of the crop is available in the Andean region of South America. The present germplasm collection at CPRI is modest and import of additional germplasm has become difficult now-a-days. Inadequate availability of processing varieties: A few of the present day varieties are suitable for processing mainly for chip making. With sudden increase in the demand for potatoes for diversified use, the necessity for developing varieties with high processing quality is being acutely felt. Inadequate availability of varieties for international trading. To promote the export of potato from the country, there is need to develop varieties having combination of export qualities, viz., oblong tubers with yellow flesh, long shelf life without black spot bruishing, low glycoalkaloids content and firm cooking quality.
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Fig 20. Physical and financial performance of RFS on potato seed production during the period 1991 to 2005. The scheme was started with Rs. 40 Lakhs.

Inadequate planting material: Although a sufficient quantity of basic seed is produced by the CPRI, the availability of certified seed to the farmers is unsatisfactory in many parts of the country due to non-judicious multiplication and distribution of the basic seed. High cost of production: Because of the high price of seed and other inputs the cost of production is high. This results in high cost of raw material for the processing industry. Also the domestic prices of potato are relatively high compared with international prices, making the export of potatoes and potato-based products competitive. High water requirement: One of the weaknesses of this crop is its high water requirement (300500 mm of water per season). Water scarcity could become a problem in the years to come. Inadequate diffusion of improved production technologies: There is large variation in average yields in different parts of the country (Please see Table 15), sometimes within a region with similar agro-climates. For example, Bihar, which has 0.1455 million ha (11.5% of the total area in the country) under potato lies between UP (average yield 22.9 t/ha) and West Bengal (average yield 23.7 t/ha), but it has an average yield of only 9.7 t/ha.

Potato production in the country faces major weaknesses on account of marketing, storage, utilization and export. With increase in potato production, recurring gluts are common in the country. The prices crash drastically during months of plenty leading to panic sale by the farmers resulting in heavy monetary losses. Lack of proper marketing avenues, insufficient/expensive cold storage facilities and low domestic utilization are some of the other problems. The great potential for exporting seed, table potatoes and processed products has hardly been explored. In the true sense our country is not yet prepared to absorb excess potato production. The issues that need urgent attention of the planners are; development of policies
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for promoting utilization, storage, marketing, processing and export, contract/co-operative farming, promotion of processing both at cottage and organized sector levels, development of export infrastructure and reorientation of exim policies including export subsidies. Utilization: In India about 16% potatoes go as waste. Although per capita potato availability in India is about 24 kg, its consumption (16 kg/year) is much less than other parts of the world (136 kg/year in Poland) and there is ample scope for increasing consumption. In India potatoes are neither used as animal feed nor as industrial raw material for production of starch and alcohol. Storage: Potatoes can not be stored under ordinary conditions particularly in sub-tropical plains where high temperatures and dry weather prevails soon after its harvest. Therefore, to sustain increased potato production, proper storage facilities are essential. Earlier, some non-refrigerated storage structures were developed which included sandpits, diffused light storage rooms, thatched mud wall rooms, etc. These structures are suitable to hold potatoes upto 3-4 months. Obviously these structures can not be used for storage of table, processing and seed potatoes for a longer period of 8-10 months. The growth of cold storage industry has given a big boost to potato cultivation in India by facilitating availability of potato seed tubers in right physiological stage for planting and also ensured freedom from some diseases and pests that do not survive at low temperatures. However, with the progressive increase in production, the present cold storage capacity (19.6 million t in 2005) is not adequate. Most of the cold stores are located near big towns and markets, and are unevenly distributed in different parts of the country. Storage of table and processing potatoes at 3-40C in cold stores accumulate reducing sugars and hence such tubers are not fit for processing. Therefore, concerted efforts are needed to create facilities for storing potatoes at 10-120C at which sugar accumulation is reduced. But at this temperature the tubers need CIPC treatment to prevent sprouting. Other possibilities are (i) to develop processing varieties that do not accumulate reducing sugars and can be stored for longer periods at 10-120C without sprout suppressant treatment, and (ii) to develop Cold Chipper Varieties accumulating less reducing sugars at low temperatures that can be used for processing after a short period of reconditioning at 15-180C. Marketing: The problems of potato marketing are not as simple as many other field crops. Potato is a semi-perishable and bulky commodity with high water content. Therefore, it requires a suitable and wellknit infrastructure for appropriate storage and transport throughout the country. Most of the potato trade in India is done through commission agents or local shopkeepers. In some areas, trading of potatoes through co-operatives has also been initiated. The Government or the local bodies have very little or no control over the business or the trading methods, resulting in several deficiencies and malpractices in the business. Wholesale and retail prices of potato vary from time to time, during the year, and from year to year depending upon the supply and demand. Generally, the prices are high at the beginning of the harvest and decline gradually as the supplies increase. Cold storage of potatoes during surplus months has helped moderate the price fluctuations in the country, though it has not fully eliminated them. Market intelligence coupled with quick movement of potatoes from surplus to deficient areas would further moderate the prices. Processing: Diversion of a part of the produce for processing, industrial use and export is expected to resolve most of the post harvest handling and marketing problems associated with this semi-perishable crop. In recent years the demand for processed potato products in India and international market has risen at a fast pace due to increased urbanization, rise in per capita income, increase in number of working
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women and expanding tourism. In India, home-scale processing of potato to produce chips, papads, dehydrated cubes, shreds, etc. is common in all potato growing areas. However, there was no visible progress in potato processing under organized sector in the country until 1990. During the last decade growth of organized potato processing became apparent due to the incentives given by the Government. On processing front, as compared to the USA (60%) and the Netherlands (47%), less than 3% of total potato production in the country is processed. Export: On export front Indias performance had not been commensurate with its global position in potato production. Though India contributes 7.55% to global potato production its share in world fresh potato exports is 0.3% and that for frozen potatoes it is 0.2%. In our own continent, India contributes 21% to total potato production but its export share in Asian market had been only 2% during the last five years. The main reasons for dismal export of Indian potatoes had been lack of planned and targeted export policy, lack of efforts to identify assured markets, and inconsistency in quality of the produce. 8.3. Opportunities According to the estimates published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and International Potato Centre (CIP), India is likely to have the highest growth rates in production and productivity of potatoes during 1993-2020. During the same period worldwide demand of potatoes is expected to increase by 40%. This scenario calls for concerted efforts to capture global market by producing international quality potatoes and processed products. Potato production and utilization pattern in the world including India is changing very fast. There is much demand for processed products; gourmet quality baby potatoes; medium-large sized tubers with yellow flesh and firm cooking quality as well as organically grown potatoes. These changes harbour many opportunities and challenges. If we want to be nationally comfortable and globally competitive, we have to keep pace and adapt to the new emerging trends in potato production and utilization. High productivity and high food value: Potato is highly productive and highly nutritious food. Apart from providing carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin C and a number of vitamins of the B group, it provides high quality dietary fibre. The protein is comparable in quality to egg and milk proteins and is superior to cereal and other vegetable proteins. It also produces more protein than all the other major food crops per unit area and time. For instance, the potato produces 3 kg of protein/ha/day as compared to only 2.5 kg/ ha/day in wheat, 1.2 kg/ha/day in maize and 1 kg/ha/day in rice (Table17). Contrary to popular beliefs it is a low calorie food with hardly any fat. Thus, the potato provides a unique opportunity to improve the quantity and quality of food availability in the country. Agronomic flexibility: The potato is a crop that can be grown from the sea level to the snow line. It also has a wide flexibility in its planting and harvest time. It, therefore, can fit well in various intensive cropping systems including inter-cropping systems. There is thus a great opportunity to increase area and production of the potato without decreasing the area under other crops. Versatility in processing: The potato is the most widely processed food. There are many ways of processing it into delicious and nutritious food items either by itself or in combination with other products. With increasing incomes, and greater urbanization, there will be a demand for processed fast foods and the potato can play major role in the production of such processed food. Export of seed and table potatoes: India has many natural advantages in potato production that can be aggressively utilized for exporting table and seed potatoes. These advantages are: (a) In European countries fresh potatoes are available only after September whereas, about 90% fresh potatoes in India are harvested during January to March and potato harvesting continues in one part
37

or the other in the country through out the year. The fact that India can supply fresh potatoes round the year at comparatively low price (due to short crop duration and cheap labour) needs to be aggressively considered for tapping international markets. (b) India is the only country in South Asia having its own seed production programme. The seed of Indian potato varieties is more suitable for growing in the adjoining Asian countries because; (i) Indian potato varieties, bred to suit sub-tropical climate can perform better in neighbouring countries than the varieties bred to suit temperate agro-climate of Europe, (ii) potato seed harvested in January/ February in India is in perfect physiological state for planting in Asian countries in October/November (European seed harvested in September is dormant), (iii) due to short crop duration, cheap labour and lower transportation costs, price of seed produced in India is also far lower as compared with the potatoes produced in Europe, and (iv) the potato production in India is free from prohibited diseases like potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), potato virus T (PVT), Andean potato latent virus (APLV), tobacco ring spot virus (TRSV), Arracacha virus-B (AVB), potato yellowing virus (PYV), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), silver scurf, ring rot, gangrene, nematodes, etc. 8.4. Threats (Challenges) Under scarcity of resources, potato production can only be increased by enhancing productivity per unit area and time. The challenge is to tailor the crop in such a way that it gives high yield and at the same time fit into crop rotations and/or mixed cropping systems of the respective regions. Other challenges are incidence of wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses, heavy use of chemical fertilizers and lower scale of production. The use of large quantities of pesticides and fertilizers has resulted in environmental problems. This concern attaches priorities to develop eco-friendly disease/pest management practices and low input production technologies so that potato production can be increased in an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable manner. To attain a globally competitive scale of production we have to think of contract/cooperative farming. With globalization there is rapid spread of varieties and technologies across the national boundaries. Strict quarantine is a must for preventing entry of diseases like the Andean Potato viruses, potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), potato virus T. Clavobacterium, Colorado beetle, etc. that could have a devastating effect if allowed to get through. The policy option of allowing bulk imports of planting material (with only small samples being subjected to post-entry quarantine procedures) is to be strongly discouraged. The infrastructural facilities for post-entry quarantine have to be strengthened. Presently only CPRI has the expertise to prevent the entry of exotic pests and diseases into the country, and any attempt to bypass the CPRI in this regard could be potentially disastrous. Indiscriminate import/export of planting material can bring a bad name to the country. It has been observed that both tuber material as well as true potato seeds are being imported/exported in/out of the country by some private parties without ensuring proper quality and proper phytosanitary certificates. Some of the tuber material exported as ware potato is being utilized by the importing countries as seed. All this is likely to adversely affect the reputation of the country in long run. 9. PERSPECTIVE The IFPRI and CIP have calculated potato growth rates in India using IMPACT model on the base year 1993 and made projections for baseline as well as high demand and production growth for the year 2020. With the same growth rate, projections for the year 2025 is given in Table 18. Based on current ACGRs for potato and population in India, it is envisaged that by 2025 we can achieve high demand and production growth projections i.e. 1.74 million ha area, 51.85 million t production and 28.95 t/ha productivity.
38

Table 18: Projections for area, production and productivity Particulars Area (million ha) Production (million t) Yield (t/ha) Consumption/Demand (million t) Baseline projection 1.49 (1.19)* 43.45 (3.10) 28.44 (1.89) 43.20(3.09) High demand and production growth 1.6 (1.71) 43.3 (3.67) 26.3 (1.94) 44.6 (3.80)

* Figures in parentheses indicate growth rates (Source: Scott JG, Rosegrant MW and Ringler C. 2000. Roots and tubers for the 21st century: Trends, projections, and policy options. IFPRI, Washington DC, USA and CIP, Lima, Peru. 64 p)

Perspective for area and productivity Most of the increase in area is expected to arise from the adoption of new cropping systems and land use patterns, involving inter-cropping, relay cropping and multiple cropping. There is also some possibility of expanding potato production to non-traditional areas through the development of temperature tolerant cultivars. High temperature tolerance will also increase the flexibility in planting dates and make it possible to fit potato into even more diverse cropping systems. The average yield of 28.95 t/ha projected for 2025 is for a 90 days crop. This means we have to produce 322 kg/ha/day. According to our estimates, the production of potatoes in the northern plains of India is presently about 224 kg/ha/day. Vigorous efforts will, therefore, have to be made both in potato research and development to realize these projections. Planting material The CPRI presently has the responsibility of producing basic seed for the entire country. At present it produces about 2,600 t of basic seed annually, which is sufficient for the requirement of the country if properly multiplied. The area under potato is expected to go up to 1.6 million ha by the year 2020. This will result in increased requirement of basic seed. Certain changes are being made in the basic seed production technology to meet this increased demand. These include the integration of in vitro rapid multiplication techniques into the seed production programme. This will result in increased efficiency of seed production and a reduction of 1-2 stages of field multiplication. The use of advanced methods of disease detection is expected to significantly improve the quality of the seed produced. Apart from this, the quantity of diseasefree seed produced will have to be increased, perhaps by involving SAUs, private sector, progressive farmers, cooperatives, etc. located in the seed production belt and by working out state-wise and yearwise rolling plan for seed production in the country. A part of the future seed requirement can possibly be met by the use of true potato seed (TPS) if this technology is refined and made farmer friendly. Sustainability The potato is a high input requiring crop, particularly with regard to water, chemical fertilizers, and plant protection chemicals. Long term sustainability will depend on the development of genotypes that are efficient in the uptake and utilization of nutrients and have inbuilt resistance to pathogens and pests. Sustainable alternatives like bio-fertilizers including recycling of organic crop residues, bio-control of pathogens and pests are being actively pursued. Genetic manipulation of potato for reduced requirement of water, nutrients and plant protection chemicals will have to be actively looked into.
39

Processing and value addition It is expected that the present low level of processing (less than 3% of the total production as compared to 60% in USA) will increase sustainability in the near future. The absence of major diseases or insect pests in the plains make our potatoes suitable for processing. Moreover, some of our varieties have the essential requirements of processing potatoes, i.e. good shape, relatively high dry matter, etc. However, the ongoing breeding effort may result in the development of more processing varieties that are internationally competitive. The institute has already identified promising advanced lines, particularly with regard to high dry matter, low reducing sugars, better chipping and French fry quality. Big tubers with good keeping quality at a storage temperature of about 10 0C are additional breeding objectives for processing potatoes. Furthermore, fresh potatoes are available in India around the year except for 2-3 months. Since all refrigerated stores in India are operated at a temperature of 2-4 0C, a temperature range that is unsuitable for processing and table potatoes, new viable storage technology involving storage at higher temperature (10-12 0C) needs to be standardized/refined. Apart from developing varieties suited for traditional forms of processing, both varieties and technologies for the production of convenience foods with long shelf life, like reconstitutable dehydrated cubes are also very desirable. Refinement is also needed in the agro-techniques for producing potatoes with superior processing qualities. There are some very specialized applications like, textile sizing, etc. in which potato starch may have some special strengths, however, this type of value addition (production of industrially useful products) is not likely to become a major factor in potato utilization. In a country with a massive population to feed, food related use of the potato should be encouraged. However, genetic modification of starch biosynthesis in potato will have promising industrial applications in near future. Export India has the potential of becoming a major exporter of both ware and seed potatoes. More than 80% of the crop is grown in the winter when there is no potato crop in the temperate countries. During 1967-2004 we have exported potatoes varying in quantities from 593 to 67159 t annually (value $ 67,000 to 73,22,000). The overall growth rate for export during this period had been 7.38% in terms of tonnage and 8.04% in terms of value. If a long-term policy is formulated, there is no reason why India should not emerge as a major exporter of potatoes by the year 2025. There is a great potential for exporting processed potatoes to Middle East and neighbouring countries at competitive prices. 10. RESEARCH ISSUES AND STRATEGIES Strengthening of social science activities This is high time to give a social face to our research programmes. In addition to technology dissemination, the most important activity of the Division of Social Sciences has to be to provide valuable feedback collected through surveys and interactions with farmers, industries, domestic markets and exporters. This feedback on national and international requirements should be a guiding force for formulation of research programmes at the institute. Priorities with emphasis on diversified utilization and export oriented research To promote production, utilization and exports, certain exclusive measures will have to be taken. From research point of view the important ones are development of globally competitive varieties and
40

production technologies to meet the standards of domestic and international market. Identification of areas in the country those are globally competitive for potato production and to concentrate research efforts to address potato related problems in these areas. Identification of requirements and quality standards of importing countries. Development of internationally acceptable varieties having medium-big oblong tubers, yellow flesh, uniform distribution of dry matter, less black-spot bruising, less glycoalkaloids, long shelf life and firm cooking quality. Development of nutrients and water use efficient varieties. Development of varieties and agronomic practices for production of Baby/Salad potatoes for home and export. In order to expand potato cultivation in non-traditional potato growing areas of south and peninsular India, the activities on development of heat tolerant varieties need a boost. It is easy to export processed products. Therefore, there is need to develop more varieties for processing. Developed diversified value added products and viable processing technologies at industrial scale and at village level. Increasing domestic consumption through awareness campaigns. Development of Cold Chipper varieties accumulating less reducing sugars. Genes for cold chipping, high specific gravity and low reducing sugars are available in S. phureja, S. chacoense and cultivars Snowden and Brodick. Long dormancy can be an additional attribute. Growing demand for organically grown food calls for development of varieties and technologies for large scale and self sustainable organic farming. To avoid gluts by diversification of potato utilization, a collaborative research programme on Use of Potatoes in Animal Feed can be taken up with NDRI, IVRI, etc. Integration of micro-propagation in potato seed production. In tune with the National Agricultural Policy there is a need to strengthen activities on development of low cost production technologies, INM/IWM components, cropping systems, crop modelling, precision farming, IPM/IDM components, bio-fertilizers, etc. to achieve potato growth that is technologically, environmentally and economically sustainable. Biotechnological efforts need to be directed towards use of output traits such as increased starch content, improvement in protein quality, accumulation of less reducing sugars during cold storage, improved shelf life and production of pharmaceuticals. Diagnostics and bio-fertilizers are other important areas that need attention. Pest risk analysis for both imports and exports. Development and evaluation of water harvesting methodologies at each regional research station.

Enhancement of gene pool through population and pre-breeding For the last 50 years we have been collecting genetic resources from various sources. But we have not made serious efforts to acclimatize the gene pool to our agro-climate through recurrent mass selections.
41

Most of our potato cultivation is done under short days of sub-tropical plains. In this regard S. tuberosum subsp. andigena which is adapted to short days, have a good keeping quality, long dormancy, contains high dry matter and resistance to several biotic and abiotic stresses is a very valuable material. A fullfledged long term (12-15 years) population improvement programme using recurrent selection needs to be initiated to develop improved material for use as parental lines in various breeding programmes in future. Efforts made in this direction have resulted in improved andigena clones adopted both to short and long days, and having good tuber size. Another important population development programme would be breeding at diploid level. Conventionally potato is bred at tetraploid level. Heterozygosity and inbreeding depression makes this breeding highly inefficient. In contrast, gene management at diploid level is much easier. With the available technologies it is possible to enrich gene pool at diploid level through recurrent mass selection for several generations and finally use selected parental lines to introgress valuable genes into cultivated potatoes. To start with screening of wild species for resistance to bacterial wilt, late blight and tolerance to cold-induced sweetning has been initiated. These are priority characters as sources of resistance/tolerance for these in cultivated potatoes are either not available or inadequate. Technical/Research collaboration with SAARC countries India is a leader in sub-tropical potato production. The agro-climatic conditions in neighbouring countries are similar to us and, therefore, varieties and technologies developed in India are more suitable for adoption in these countries. If we want to break Dutch lobby in SAARC countries, we have to push our varieties and technology aggressively through technical/research collaboration under regional co-operative programmes. Stronger linkages with other organizations, industries and progressive farmers No tangible results can be obtained if we work in isolation. To face global challenges posed by WTO and IPR, all available expertise and resources in the country need to be pooled to make potato industry competitive in the world market. In this direction stronger research and production linkages with research organizations, industries and progressive farmers will be needed. In particular, linkages for potato seed production and village level processing with NGOs, Co-operatives and Gram Panchayats will be of greater importance in near future. Whenever essential, such linkages also need to be developed with international organizations and multinational companies. 11. RESEARCH PRIORITIES 11.1. Time Frame The research priorities given below have been identified based on the current national/international scenario and recommendations made by the RACs and latest QRT. The research activities have been phased into four time frames (2005-2007; 2008-2012; 2013-2020 and 2021-2025) based on their priorities and deliverables indicated in each time frame. The stakeholders for research output by CPRI (varieties, technologies, etc) are farmers, potato based industries, private seed companies, exporters, SAUs, state governments, PSUs, potato scientists and national/international organizations involved in potato research and development.
42

11.2.1. Research priorities and targets

Target GENETIC RESOURCES Augmentation of germplasm collection Evaluation of germplasm in different agro-climatic conditions for important attributes like yield, resistances to biotic stresses (late blight, bacterial wilt, cyst nematodes, viruses, leaf hoppers and mites), tolerance to abiotic stresses (drought and heat), nutritional value and processing qualities Population and prebreeding for combining pest/ disease resistance from Solanum species and andigena to develop superior parental lines for yield, biotic/abiotic stresses and quality characters In-vitro conservation Molecular characterization of germplasm collection using RAPD, AFLP & SSR markers POTATO IMPROVEMENT Varieties with early maturity (70-80 d) Varieties for export purposes Late blight resistant varieties 2005-2007 100 accessions 100-240 accessions 2008-2012 250 accessions 225-600 accessions 2013-2020 350 accessions 350-840 accessions 2021-2025 450 accessions 225-600 accessions

Screening (300500 accessions)

Hybridization, evaluation and back-crossing (400-600 hybrids)

Evaluation, back crossing (10001200 hybrids) and identification of promising parental lines

1400 accessions -

2000 accessions 200 accessions/ annum

3000 accessions 200 accessions/ annum

4000 accessions 200 accessions/ annum

Early generations (F1C1 - F1C3) Early generations (F1C1 - F1C3) Selections in early & advanced generations

Advanced generations (F1C4 - F1C7) Selections in F1C4 F1C7 generations Advanced generation selections/ Multi-location tests & release of 1-2 varieties Advanced generations (F1C4 - F1C7) Advanced generation selections/ Multi-location test & release of 1-2 varieties

Multilocation tests and release of 2-3 varieties Multilocation tests & release of 2-3 varieties Advanced generation selections/ Multi-location tests & release of 1-2 varieties Multilocation tests and release of 1-2 varieties Advanced generation selections/ Multi-location test & release of 1-2 varieties

Next cycle of breeding Next cycle of breeding Next cycle of breeding

Virus resistant varieties

Selections in F1C1- F1C3 generations Selections in early & advanced generations

Next cycle of breeding Next cycle of breeding

Varieties for French fries, chips and high starch

Contd...... 43

Target Cold chipper varieties

2005-2007 Selections of parents and hybridization

2008-2012 Selections in F1C1 F1C5 generations

2013-2020 Advanced generation / Multilocation tests & release of 1-2 varieties Advanced generation selections/ Multi-location test & release of at least 1 drought tolerant variety Initial/final yield trials

2021-2025 Next cycle of breeding

Varieties tolerant to drought and high temperatures

Selections in early & advanced generations for high temperature Screening of germplasm for drought tolerance Screening of germplasm accessions Selections of parents & hybridization Selections in F1C1- F1C4 generations tuberosum x phureja crossing & screening Crossing 4x X 2x & selection of MTs

Advanced generation selections/ Multi-location test & release of at least 1 heat tolerant variety Selections of parents & hybridization Progeny tests

Next cycle of breeding

Low fertilizer responsive varieties Development of early bulking and late blight resistant TPS lines Development of varieties possessing resistance to both late blight and cyst nematodes Production of dihaploids for pre-breeding Development of meiotic tetraploids (MTs) for late blight resistance & their utilization BIOTECHNOLOGY Development of late blight resistant transgenics using RB gene (ABSP II)

Next cycle of breeding

Multilocation Next cycle of tests & release of breeding 1-2 TPS populations Advanced generation trials and release of at 1-2 varieties Evaluation for 2n gametes & agronomic traits Next cycle of breeding

Advanced generations trials and release of 1 variety tuberosum x phureja crossing & screening Selection & screening for resistance

Next cycle of breeding

4x X MT crossing, Next cycle of screening & breeding selection of hybrids as parents or for release Multilocation tests & release of varieties Initiation of transgenic work with new genes for LB resistance

Raising F1 (KJ/ KBR x RBKatahdin) Transformation with RB gene. Glasshouse evaluation of transgenics. Sequencing of one chromosome (Chr. 2 of potato) Cloning of viral sequences and construct development. Transformation. Glasshouse evaluation.

Evaluations F1C2 to F1C6Limited field trials and food safety analysis of transgenics. Release of 1-2 late blight resistant transgenics.

Potato genome sequencing (as a member of Potato Genome Sequencing Consortium) Development of virus resistant transgenics using pathogen derived genes

Identification of genes involved in tuberization and late blight resistance Limited field trial.

Food safety analysis. Release of 1-2 transgenics

Contd...... 44

Target Bacterial wilt resistance using b-defensin gene

2005-2007 Glasshouse evaluation of existing transgenics Fresh transformation.

2008-2012 Limited field trials, food safety analysis and release of 1-2 resistant transgenics

2013-2020

2021-2025

Limited field trials, Use of new gene food safety for bacterial wilt analysis and resistance release of 1-2 resistant transgenics from fresh transformants.

Prevention of coldinduced sweetening (inhh/PTGS)

In vitro & glasshouse evaluation.

Limited field trial and food safety analysis. Release of promising transgenics for cold chipping. Limited field trial and food safety analysis. SSR & EST analysis. Map construction and identification. Identification of genes regulating tuberization and early stages of late blight /virus pathogenesis by microarray analysis. Release of 1-2 transgenics for producing better quality starch. Validation & application of linked markers. Cloning of candidate gene(S).

Improvement in starch quality (Amylose-free starch) Identification of QTLs for late blight resistance

In vitro & glasshouse evaluation. Raising F1 population, phenotyping and AFLP QTL analysis. Infrastructure development for microarray analysis. Standardization of RNaseP & cytomic tools.

Use of QTLs marker assisted solution in breeding

Cloning of novel genes

Cloning of candidate genes involved in tuberization and resistances to biotic stresses. Gene function analysis by RNaseP and cytomics. Patenting of genes for IPR protection. Glasshouse trial. Limited field trial and food safety analysis. Chloroplast transformation for starch quality

Chloroplast transformation to improve starch quantity.

Development of potato-specific vector. Standardization of transformation/ regeneration protocol. Symmetric and asymmetric somatic hybridizations for potato improvement and germplasm utilization. (somatic hybridization between 1 EBN wild sps and 2 EBN dihaploids)

Plastid transformation to improve starch quantity of potato (glgC from E. coli).

Symmetric and asymmetric somatic hybridizations for potato improvement and germplasm utilization. (somatic hybridization between 1 EBN wild sps and 2 EBN dihaploids)

Development of somatic hybrids between 1 EBN wild sps and 2 EBN dihaploids

Use of somatic hybrids, no hybridization with cultivated types

Contd...... 45

Target Cellular and molecular dissection of signal transduction.

2005-2007 Cellular and molecular dissection of signal transduction pathways involving cell cycle analysis and apoptosis, potato tuberization, wide hybridization and disease responses. Develop potato models and data base of crop and weather parameters for different locations in India. Screening of cultivars for higher nutrient use efficiency. Develop multiple and intercropping systems for different production situations. Screening of cultivars for higher water use efficiency

2008-2012

2013-2020

2021-2025

Ceramide signaling pathway will be dissected especially for late blight resistance and tuberization

POTATO PRODUCTION Develop agroecological zone maps of potato. Determine potato production under different situations and develop thematic maps using the crop and weather data bases for agroecological zoning. Develop decision support tools for site specific nutrient management. Standardize agrotechniques for different cropping systems using simulation models. Develop irrigation systems for increasing water use efficiency. Studies on effect of sprinkler and drip irrigation on aerial and soil microflora Develop agrotechnology for these situations using crop simulation models (INFOCROPPOTATO) and GIS Study the implications of different potato production technologies on productivity and soil health

Increase nutrient use efficiency.

Develop precision Continue farming technology including crop modeling, remote sensing and GIS. Standardize agrotechniques for newly released hybrids/varieties Develop decision support tools for precision irrigation.

Increase water use efficiency.

Enhance potato productivity in plateau region and hills.

Work out potential productivity of these areas through models (INFOCROPPOTATO). Study the implications of different potato production technologies on yield and economics.

Field experimentation for the refinement of agro-technology.

Work out sustainability of potato production.

Design sustainable potato production systems.

Continue

Contd...... 46

Target Reduce energy requirements of potato production.

2005-2007 Work out energetics of existing implements/ devices and other cultural operations

2008-2012 Modification of design of the implements including electronic and electromechanical systems and develop prototypes for different farming situations. Standardize technology and package for organic potato productions under different agro-climatic conditions. Develop DSS for weed management Standardize regional scale yield acreage estimation methodology using crop models and remote sensing. Continue

2013-2020

2021-2025

Field testing of Continue the prototypes of designs for different farming situations.

Organic potato production

Field experimentation for developing technology for organic potato production. Develop DSS for weed management Standardize regional scale yield acreage estimation methodology using crop models and remote sensing. Standardize methodology for classifying soil fertility status/ organic matter content/soil texture through remote sensing. Evaluation production potential & economics of different potato based cropping system in different zones. Develop multiple and intercropping systems for different production situations.

Studies on the long Continue term implications of organic potato production on soil health.

Develop DSS & crop models for potato

Develop DSS for farming systems

Refinement of developed DSS

Develop precision farming technologies for potato

Application of precision farming techniques at regional scale.

Continue

Synthesize suitable potato based cropping systems for different potato growing zones.

Study the cropping pattern in important potato growing areas through remote sensing. Standardize agrotechniques for different cropping systems using simulation models.

Study the cropping Continue pattern in important potato growing areas through remote sensing.Standardize agro-techniques for different cropping systems using simulation models.

Contd...... 47

Target POTATO PROTECTION Surveillance of important pests and pathogens.

2005-2007

2008-2012

2013-2020

2021-2025

Identification of areas of occurrence and biological characterization of pests & pathogens. Nucleic acid based detection kits to be developed Virusvector relationship PRA of R. solanacearum, P. infestans, S. endobioticum to be completed Collection of isolates of p. infestans, R. solanacearum ToLCNDV, B.tabaci and their biological characterization and maintenance Requirements for these technologies to be identified and procured Development of forecasting models for initial occurrence. Develop models for disease progression. Develop yield loss assessment models.

Molecular/ chemical characterization of pests & pathogens.

Development of diagnostics for detection of new pathogens/pests.

Development of microarray/ biochip for pathogen detection

Development of serological and NASH techniques for the detection of ToLCNDV Pest risk analysis for major pests.

Serology based detection kits to be achieved.Virusvector relationship

Extension of virus vector relationship to manage the disease.

Effective management of the disease

Further refinement of PRA

PRA for more pests PRA for more as demanded by the pests. International Trade

Total variability of major pests/ pathogens

Molecular characterization of the collected isolates

Colning of genes for pathogen derived resistance. Development of microarray/ biochips for pathogen detection. Development of microarray/ biochip

Use of microarray in pathogen detection; effective management of pathogens.

Development of molecular and electronic diagnostics for large scale export/import. Development of Decision Support major diseases/pests (late blight and aphids)

Reproduction of technologies under Indian conditions.

Use of microarray/ biochip in disease management

Testing of forecasting models Develop models for disease progression Develop yield loss assessment models Development of Decision Support Systems

Extension of Continued technology developed Use of the gained Continued knowledge in disease management. Use of the gained Continued knowledge in disease management. Use of the gained Continued knowledge in disease management. Production of antisera for PVX, S, Y, A and M. Development of microarray biochip for virus detection Continued

Production of ELISA kits for the detection of common potato viruses

Production of antisera for PVX, S and Y.

Production of antisera for PVX, S, Y, A and M.

Contd...... 48

Target Molecular diagnostics for the detection of P. infestans and R. solanacearum IDM/IPM for major diseases/pests

2005-2007 Development of PCR based detection techniques. Isolation of fungal and bacterial antagonists Evaluation of botanicals Storage experiments with CIPC and screening of natural volatile compounds for sprout suppression Storage and evaluation of processing varieties at 8, 12, 16 and 20C coupled with CIPC Preparation of flour flakes and granules from potatoes

2008-2012 Refinement and simplification for large scale testing Large scale formulations & evaluations of antagonists and botanicals. Small scale trials with CIPC and natural volatile plant products

2013-2020 Development of microarray for detection Extension of technologies developed

2021-2025 Continued

Further development of technology to control pests with antagonists Extension of on-farm storage technology

PHYSIOLOGYAND POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY Extending storage life during non-refrigerated storage Large scale trials with CIPC and natural volatile plant products

Storage behaviour of processing varieties at different temperature

Evaluation of CO2 concentration on sugar accumulation during storage

Reconditioning studies to improve the processing quality of potatoes stored at different temperature Nutritional quality of potato protein

Variety-wise storage trials in commercial cold stores and recommendations Development of different potato products to increase potato utilization Identification of genes for superior processing quality Field trials, food safety analysis of transgenics for release as heat tolerant varieties

Diversified utilization of potatoes

Utilization of pulp as animal feed/ adhesive

Identification of biochemical factors affecting quality of potatoes Heat tolerance in potatoes

Studies on enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism Isolation and identification of genes involved in tuberization

Studies on sugar Identification of to starch conversion genes for superior during processing quality reconditioning Characterization of isolated genes for their role in tuberization under normal and high temperature conditions Development of transgenic plants tolerant to heat stress and their evaluation

Induction of dwarfism in potato through rDNA technology (PTGS of GA 20 ox) and mutations for cultivation in hills Drought tolerance in potatoes

Transformation, in vitro and glass house evaluation. Mutagenesis for dwarfism. Screening of potato germplasm for water use efficiency and transpiration Identification of high WUE and high dry matter accessions

Limited field trials, Release of dwarf food safety analysis. transgenic/mutant Evaluation of varieties dwarf mutants.

Development of more dwarf varieties for better performance under heat stress and long day conditions. Release of drought tolerant varieties Identification of genes responsible for better rooting characteristics

Combining high WUE with high dry matter and tuber yield through breeding Screening of the progeny

Evaluation of hybrids for yield under limited water supply and rain-fed conditions Multi-location yield trials

Contd...... 49

Target SOCIAL SCIENCES

2005-2007

2008-2012

2013-2020

2021-2025

Modelling and forecasting Survey and analysis of time series data of potato prices

Area estimation using remote sensing & GIS

Providing yield & price forecasting service

Providing yield & price forecasting service Continued

Demand estimation of Survey of organized Assessment of Work out product processed potato products and unorganized growth of potato specific marketing processing sector processing industry system Assessment of Indian potato marketing system for exports Analysis of returns on investment in potato research in India Impact assessment of extension strategies for technology dissemination Survey and analysis of domestic markets Analysis of secondary data of foreign markets Identification of destinations for Indian potatoes

Provide policy recommendation

Study on economic Analysis of research Analysis of benefits impact of potato cost items at the accrued to farmers production Institute technology Identification of Continued technological gaps, technology assessment & refinement, impact assessment. Conducting training and workshops. Disseminating information through bulletins, CDs, internet, etc Continued Continue

HRD of state extension functionaries.

Conducting follow- Continued up studies of trained extension functionaries

Continue

Design of Experiments & analysis of data

Planning, designing Continued and interpretation of experimental results of different Divisions Collection & tabulation of secondary data 8000 t (All Stations) Signing of MOUs Updating of database

Continued

Continue

Development of potato database SEED PRODUCTION Production of breeders seed Seed production in partnership with Govt. (NEH)/Private sector Expansion of seed multiplication through tissue culture at Modipuram & Shillong

Updating of database

Continue

14000 t (All Stations) NEH: 3200 t* Pvt.: 1000 t (*Private sector) 50000 MP 20000 MT (Modipuram) 20000 MP 10000 MT(Shillong)

16000 t (All Stations) NEH: 3200 t Pvt. : 1000 t 100000 MP 25000 MT (Modipuram)

18000 t (All Stations) Continue

25000 Microplants (MP) 10000 Microtubers (MT) (Modipuram) 10000 MP 5000MT(Shillong)

Continue

30000 MP Continue 25000 MT (Shillong) Contd......

50

Target Establishment of Tissue Culture Labs (TC) and production of seed at Jalandhar, Patna, Gwalior & Ooty.

2005-2007 Creation of TC Lab Jalandhar Creation of TC Lab Patna Creation of TC Lab Gwalior Creation of TC LabOoty Signing BS: 1000 t

2008-2012 25000 MP 10000 MT (Jalandhar) 10000 MP 5000 MT(Patna) 10000 MP 5000 MT(Gwalior) 10000 MP 5000 MT(Ooty) BS: 1500 t

2013-2020 50000 MP 15000 MT (Jalandhar) 20000 MP 10000 MT(Patna) 10000 MP 5000 MT(Gwalior) 10000 MP 5000 MT(Ooty)

2021-2025

Continue Continue Continue Continue

Involvement of Private Sector in multiplication of breeders seed of MOUs

11.3. Research Priorities of All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato 11.3.1. Research priorities and targets
Critical gaps 2005-2007 Limitation of area under potato Diversify cultivation of potato in kharif crop in plateau region. The germplasm accessions/ potato hybrids and varieties will be evaluated in batches in the kharif crop under rain fed condition at Dharwad centre to identify promising genotypes. Suitable potato varieties and agronomic practices for diversifying potato cultivation in kharif crop in plateau region will be standardized Surveillance of different potato based cropping systems in important potato growing regions will be under taken at different AICRP centres to identify remunerative cropping systems (interor rotational crop). Suitable agronomic practices need to be developed and varieties identified for cultivation of potato as sandwich crop in the rice-wheat system (occupying more than 10 million hectare area). Early maturing hybrids will be evaluated at different centres in the plains to develop new high yielding short duration potato varieties to fit potato in different cropping systems under the prevailing intensive cultivation practices and to enhance area under potato in different regions. New insect/pests are emerging in different regions and causing severe yield losses directly or indirectly (through viruses spread by these pests) to potato crop. White fly and stem necrosis are the emerging threats to potato in different parts of the country. Studies will be undertaken at the AICRP centres in the problem areas to identify potato varieties/hybrids having resistance to these pests vis--vis find optimum planting dates with minimum pest infestation/damage to the crop. Contd...... 51 Research target Approaches to achieve target

Incorporate potato in different cropping systems.

Shortage of short duration varieties

Development of short duration potato varieties.

New pests/ diseases

Integrated management of white flies and potato stem necrosis.

Critical gaps 2008-2012 Limitation of area under potato

Research target

Approaches to achieve target

Identify new areas for potato cultivation & develop package of practices and varieties

In view of shrinking arable land no crop can be sacrificed to put more area under potato. Therefore, opportunities will be explored for potato cultivation in new/non-traditional areas. Systematic attempts will be made to develop suitable varieties/package of practices for potato cultivation under rain fed condition in kahrif season for which the trials will be conducted at Dharwad centre. Evaluation and identification of germplasm/hybrids suitable for growing in South India under high temperature regimes. High cost of inputs has been hampering potato cultivation in many parts of our country. Fertilizers are the second most costly inputs after seed. Potato hybrids/ varieties that are nutrient efficient and producing high yields in short/medium durations (75-90 days) will be developed following multilocation testing of new hybrids at different AICRP centres. The yields of potato in many states are much below the national average mainly for want of non-availability and high cost of quality tuber seed. Surveys will be conducted in collaboration with the state departments of agriculture/horticulture/extension services & state agriculture universities to identify areas suitable for producing quality tuber seed. TPS would also be used as alternative for producing quality planting material in low productivity states. Early bulking TPS populations with higher transplant survival will be identified. Survey of potato based cropping systems in different regions will be conducted to identify most commonly adopted system and evaluate them for economic returns to find most remunerative system in the region. Considering the global change in climate or weather condition it is imperative to reschedule planting dates for potato to maximize yields for which trials will be undertaken at AICRP centres in important potato growing regions of the country. Many pesticides used to control diseases/pests are hazardous and polluting the environment. It is therefore, essential to develop integrated pest management schedules for different regions of the country for minimizing the use of pesticides and alternatively use bio agents/plant extracts as pesticides. In contrast to many developed countries consumption of potato in India is very low for the per capita potato availability in the country, where it is consumed mainly as a vegetable. To enhance per capita consumption of potato in the country the processed potato products may be promoted in the domestic and international markets, which would need varieties for processing and also having culinary values and good storability. Different hybrids will be evaluated in the multilocation trials under AICRP to identify hybrids that suit the needs of processing industry. Contd...... 52

Identification of heat tolerant potato hybrids for south India Inefficient use of nutrients Development of nutrient efficient potato hybrids (early/medium maturing) Production of quality tuber seed/ TPS derived planting material.

Inadequate availability of quality seed

Increasing productivity per unit time and area Maximization of potato yields

Identify remunerative potato based cropping systems Maximization of potato yield through agronomic manipulations. Develop integrated pest management schedules for potato

Yield losses due to diseases/pests

Low per capita consumption of

Diversify potato consumption potato

Critical gaps 2013-2020 Shortage of varieties for changing farming patterns.

Research target Development of new generation early and medium maturing potato varieties.

Approaches to achieve target In the face of changing agro-climatic conditions new potato varieties will be required for planting in early and the main crop season, to fit potato in different cropping systems in different regions. New potato varieties will be needed that are early medium maturing and having heat tolerance, high tuber dry matter and storability both under ambient and refrigerated storage conditions. Trials for this purpose will be conducted at different AICRP centres in different regions. Upon diversification of potato cultivation in new/non-traditional areas and different cropping systems the demand for quality tuber seed will increase exponentially in different states. Based on surveys, new areas for producing quality seed potatoes will be identified and seed production will be initiated. For promoting export of potato from India there will be need to produce potatoes with high tuber dry matter, better keeping quality in transportation and low residues of hazardous pesticides. Studies will be undertaken at different AICRP centres on organic farming/substrate dynamics and usage of bio fertilizers to minimize the use of inorganic fertilizers as well as hazardous chemicals against diseases under the prevailing high cropping intensity. Potato being high input crop and considering the escalating costs of inputs such as chemical fertilizers and the pesticides, there is a need to develop low cost potato production technology to optimize the use of inputs. Studies in this direction will be undertaken at different AICRP centres. Value addition in the potato varieties for export purpose would be essential. Evaluation of new hybrids under varied agro climates to identify suitable ones for processing purpose will be done at different AICRP centres. With the expected increase in area under potato over the years the demand for tuber seed/ quality planting material will also increase exponentially. TPS could be used as an alternative source for this purpose. Identification of suitable TPS populations through hybridization among the genotypes with genetic variability from diverse sources and standardization of agronomic practices giving better survival of transplanted seedlings will be undertaken at different AICPIP centres. This would need to have potato varieties that are nutrient efficient and could give higher yields in organic farming. Also to minimize the usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, different sources of organic manures, biofertilizers and biopesticides for higher yield and quality of potato will be explored at different AICRP centres. In many states the storage facility (refrigerated stores) is either lacking or not adequate to accommodate the ware/seed potatoes. Many small /marginal farmers in these states sell their produce immediately after harvest; some are using traditional systems for storing their potatoes both for seed or ware purpose and bearing losses due to rottage. This is an important area where Contd...... 53

Shortage of quality seed potatoes in many states Negligible export of ware/seed potatoes

Strengthen the quality tuber seed production in seed deficit potato growing regions Producing potatoes with the standards acceptable in the international markets.

High cost of potato cultivation

Development of low cost potato production technology Identify new hybrids with attributes of processing quality Identify hybrid TPS populations/ agronomic practices giving better survival and plant vigour in transplanted seedlings Develop suitable agro techniques and hybrids for organic potato farming Improvisation of traditional storages

Low export of processed potato products Inadequate quality planting material/ seed potatoes

Lack of potato varieties for organic farming

Post harvest losses

Critical gaps

Research target

Approaches to achieve target research is needed to be focused to make innovations for making the traditional storage of potato more efficient and effective so that farmers could retain their produce at least for couple of months especially at the peak of harvesting time so that distress sale of potato in the market by poor farmers could be avoided. Testing of improvised techniques developed at CPRI could be undertaken at different centres in collaboration with the state agriculture universities and state departments of agriculture horticulture and through farmer participatory approaches to improve the efficiency of traditional storage systems.

2021-2025 Shortage of varieties for changing cropping intensity/ pattern Expansion of potato in nontraditional areas is lacking Identification of new early/medium maturing potato varieties Varietal trials using improved potato varieties In view of the shrinking arable land day by day and anticipated change in the cropping intensity/pattern in future there will be pressing demand for potato varieties that could be fitted in different cropping systems. Trials will be conducted at different AICRP (Potato) centers in this direction. For increasing area under potato it is imperative to promote potato cultivation in the non-traditional areas by initiating preliminary vareital trials with the help of state department of agriculture/horticulture and Agriculture universities in the areas. Studies in this direction will be undertaken at selected AICRP centers. For achieving the production target of potato by 2025, either area or productivity per unit area as well as total factor potato productivity of this important food crop will have to be increased across the diverse agro-climates of the country. This would require varieties better adapted and producing high yields in diverse agro-climates including kharif season in the plains and plateau areas. Trials will be conducted at selected centers. Fertilizers are next costly inputs after seed and there is need to have potato varieties that are nutrient efficient and agrotechniques and tolerant to drought thereby using less water for producing higher yield. Water is going to be the biggest constraint in the near future and there is dire need to develop potato varieties that are tolerant to drought and efficient in using water so that under ground water resources are not over exploited. Trials will be designed & conducted at different centers of the project. This would need potato varieties that are nutrient efficient and could give higher yields in organic farming. Also to minimize the usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides different sources of organic manures, biofertilizers and biopesticides giving higher yield and quality of potato will be explored at different AICRP centres. In many states the storage facility (refrigerated stores) is either lacking or not adequate to accommodate the ware/seed potatoes. Many small/marginal farmers in these states are left with no option but to sell their produce at whatever prices available at the time of harvesting, which some times result in heavy monetary losses; some farmers use traditional systems for storing their potatoes both for seed or ware purpose and have Contd...... 54

Shortage of varieties for cultivation in kharif and plateau areas

Identification of hybrids/ varieties with high yield and adaptability in kharif crop in the plains

Saving on water and nutrients

Identification of potato varieties for efficient use of water and nutrients

Lack of potato varieties for organic farming

Identification of suitable agro techniques and hybrids for organic potato farming Improvisation of traditional storagestructures

Post harvest losses

Critical gaps

Research target

Approaches to achieve target to bear losses due to rottage. This is an important area where research is needed to be focused to make innovations for making the traditional storage of potato more efficient and effective so that farmers could retain their produce at least for couple of months especially at the peak of harvesting time so that distress sale of potato could be avoided. Testing of improvised techniques developed at CPRI could be undertaken at different centres in collaboration with the state agriculture universities and state departments of agriculture horticulture and through farmer participatory approaches to improve the efficiency of traditional storage systems.

Inadequate quality planting material/seed potatoes

Identify hybrid TPS populations/ agronomic practices giving better survival and plant vigour in transplanted seedlings

With the expected increase in area under potato over the years the demand for tuber seed/quality planting material will also increase exponentially. TPS could be used as an alternative source of healthy planting material in areas unsuitable for production and maintenance of quality tuber seed of popular varieties. Identification of suitable TPS populations through hybridization among the genotypes with genetic variability from diverse sources and standard-ization of agronomic practices providing better survival of transplanted seedlings will be undertaken at different AICRP (Potato) centers through initiating independent breeding programmes at SAU based centers of AICRP (Potato) in distinct agro-climates.

12. FUNDING NEEDS The anticipated expenditure of CPRI during the XI plan period is likely to be Rs. 5306.63 lakhs under plan (Table 19) and 13142.60 lakhs under non-plan. About 27% of this is expected to be raised by the institute through its own resources, like RFS, training, consultancies, externally funded schemes etc. Based on compound growth rate of 49.55% for plan expenditure during VII to X plan and ratio of plan : non-plan expenditure (1:3.67), plan and non-plan funding needs of CPRI for X, XI, XII and XIII plan periods are given in Table 20. The anticipated expenditure of AICRP (Potato) during the XI plan period is likely to be Rs. 21.65 lakhs under plan (Table 21). Based on compound growth rate of 56.28% for plan expenditure during VII to X plan, funding needs of AICRP (Potato) for XI, XII and XIII plan periods are given in Table 24. Table 19: Broad head-wise and year-wise break up of XI-Plan budget of CPRI
Rs. in Lakhs

Head A. Recurring Pay & Allowances TA HRD Contingencies Sub Total (A)

2007-08 20.00 100.00 120.00

2008-09 20.00 10.00 140.00 170.00

2009-10 20.00 10.00 140.00 170.00

2010-11 20.00 120.00 140.00

2011-12 20.00 100.00 120.00

Total 100.00 20.00 600.00 720.00

Contd......

55

Head

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10 175.00 180.00 30.00 385.00 555.00 358.94 913.94

2010-11 100.00 100.00 30.00 230.00 370.00 340.94 720.94

2011-12 96.70 84.23 30.00 210.93 330.93 138.94 488.94

Total 676.70 777.23 150.00 1603.93 2323.93 2982.70 5306.63

B. Non-Recurring Equipments 140.00 165.00 Works 238.00 175.00 Library 25.00 35.00 Others Sub Total (B) 403.00 375.00 Total (A+B) 523.00 545.00 C. New Project on potato Genome sequencing 1426.94 716.94 Grand (A+B+C) 1949.94 1241.94

* This also includes wages for casual laborers granted with Temporary Status

Table 20: Funding needs of CPRI for XI, XII and XIII plan periods
Rs. in lakhs

Plan period X Plan XI Plan XII Plan XIII Plan (2002-2007) (2007-2012) (2012-2018) (2018-2023) (2023-2024)

Plan 1505 2251 3366 5034 2850

Non-plan 5525 8260 12350 18475 10440

Table 21: Broad head-wise and year-wise break up of XI-Plan budget of AICRP (Potato) - ICAR Share
Rs. in lakhs

Sl. Head of account No. A 1. 2. 3. 4. Recurring Pay & Allowance TA Contingency Frontline demonstration on farmers fields Sub Total A Non Recurring Works Equipments Sub Total B Grand Total A + B

2007-08

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

Total

180.0 3.98 23.40 1.05

185.71 2.93 23.40 1.05

198.58 3.98 23.40 1.05

210.68 2.93 23.40 1.05

225.30 3.98 23.40 1.05

1000.27 17.78 117.00 5.25

208.43 44.75 12.10 56.85 265.28

213.09 8.50 16.00 24.50 237.59

56

227.01 227.01

238.6 238.6

253.73 253.73

1140.3 53.25 28.10 81.35 1221.65

B 1. 2.

Table 22: Funding needs of AICRP (Potato) for XI, XII and XIII plan periods
Rs. in lakhs

Plan period XI Plan (2007-2012) 1200 2100 3600 2500 XII Plan (2012-2018) XIII Plan (2018-2023) (2023-2024)

Plan

13. RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION LINKAGES AND EXECUTION ARRANGEMENTS To face global challenges posed by WTO and IPR, all available expertise and resources in the country as well as outside need to be used to make Indian potato industry competitive in the world market. In this direction stronger research and production linkages with research organizations, industries, progressive farmers and other organizations will be needed. Some of such possible linkages are given below. 13.1. Research Linkages
Organization Details of areas in which collaboration is proposed Reasons for such linkages Molecular diagnostics Virus resistant transgenics Development of molecular diagnostics for new emerging viruses like ALCV & PSNV. Development of virus resistant transgenics for PVY and ALCV. Collection and analysis of information on potato export. Development of transgenics for virus resistance. Research collaboration for irradiation and storage of potatoes. Development of novel potato products. Collaboration for development for low energy requiring farm machinery. Use of expertise and research infrastructure for priority research in INM & IWM Online testing of processing quality of Indian potato varieties and hybrids. Research collaboration for testing and validation of potato crop models. Use of expertise and research infrastructure for priority research in INM & IWM Collaboration with NRL for potato irradiation and storage. Models developed for price forecasting through this collaboration will be highly useful to potato growers in marketing their produce. Contd...... 57 NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Advanced Centre in Plant Virology, IARI, New Delhi APEDA, DGCIS, New Delhi BARC, Trombay

Potato export Transgenics Potato storage Processing Farm machinery INM and IWM Potato processing Crop modeling and simulation Integrated nutrient and water management Potato irradiation and storage Price forecasting

CFTRI, Mysore CIAE, Bhopal CWCR & TI, Dehradun Frito-Lay (India), New Delhi IARI, New Delhi

IASRI, New Delhi

Organization NCAP, New Delhi

Details of areas in which collaboration is proposed Reasons for such linkages Studies on Demand estimation Research impact Transgenics To develop demand estimation models for potato area planning. Analysis of impact of potato research and prioritizing research areas. AmA1 gene has been cloned and patented by NCPGR. Introduction of this gene in Indian potato varieties is likely to improve nutritional qualities of potatoes (improved protein quantity and quality) Methodology for market analysis developed by NIAM will be refined and used for potato. Nutritional qualities of potatoes and how potato can be integrated in RDA. To develop methodologies for women empowerment in potato farming and post harvest handling.

NCPGR, New Delhi

IAM, Jaipur NIN, Hyderabad NRC for Women in Agriculture, Bhubneshwar NRC on Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi PAU, Ludhiana Space Applications (ISRO), Ahmedabad

Marketing analysis Nutrition Women empowerment

Transgenics Development of transgenics for insect resistance and Molecular aspects of drought tolerance. abiotic stress management. Collaboration for research on molecular mechanism of heat/drought tolerance. Farm Machinery Remote sensing and GIS Collaboration for development of low energy farm machinery. Expertise and facilities can be used to pursue advanced research in this modern field.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AIT, Thailand INM & IWM Farm Machinery Research collaboration and HRD in these fields. Validation of potato crop models developed by them in India. HRD. The CABO is a leader in research on these aspects. Their expertise can be utilized for developing superior potato varieties and planting material in India. Research collaboration and HRD for; Development of varieties tolerent to abiotic stresses. Refinement of our late blight forecasting model for accurate and more advance forecasting. LB breeding For expertise on research on programmed cell death in potato.

Alternate Crops and Crop modeling and Systems Laboratory, simulation USDA, Beltsville, USA Centre for Agrobiological Research (CABO), Wageningen, Netherlands. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA. Physiology of drought resistance Photosynthesis and productivity Seed physiology Physiology of stress resistance Molecular breeding Late Blight forecasting. Late blight breeding (ABSP-II) Programmed cell death

Horticulture Research International, Warwick, UK

Contd...... 58

Organization International Potato Centre, Lima, Peru

Details of areas in which collaboration is proposed Reasons for such linkages Genetic resources Control of bacterial wilt Research prioritization. Training of CPRI Scientists in frontier areas Being CGIAR Institute exclusively working on root and tuber crops, CIP can offer germplasm as well as research expertise in the fields listed in column 2. They have expertise as well as infrastructure to address these problems more effectively.

Max-Plank-Institute for Plant Breeding Research, W-5000 Koln 30, FRG

Use of molecular markers It is one of the worlds premier institutions. Research like RFLP, SSR and AFLP collaboration and HRD at this Institute would be for studying yield attributes, beneficial in deciphering molecular mechanisms virus resistance and under lying yield attributes and resistances to viruses structure of late blight and late blight. resistance genes Collaborative research on potato late blight Late blight of potato is a recurring problem in the hills as well as plains in India. Maxico, due to predominance of complex races of late blight pathogen, is most suitable place to conduct late blight related research. Moreover, PICTIPAPA has adequate experisie in this field. Rothamstead Experiment Station has adequate facilities and expertise for these aspects of potato research. These are also priorities in India. Research collaboration as well as training of Indian Scientists on these aspects will be highly beneficial to the Country.

PICTIPAPA, Mexico

Rothamstead Experiment Station, Harpenden, Herts, UK

Control of bacterial wilt Identification and control of cyst nematodes Biological control of aphids. Nutrient balance sheet in cropping systems. Plastid transformation Transgenics

Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA Salisbury Research Laboratory, UK Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), Invergowrie, DD2, 5DA Scotland, (UK)

Expertise and HRD in chloroplast transformation. Expertise and HRD in antibiotic resistant markerfree genetic transformation.

Institute fiir pflanzengenetik und kulturpflanzenforschering, (IPK), GroB Lusewitzer, Germany

Developments of diploid Scottish Crop Research Institute has many germplasm with resistance exemplary achievements at its credit in the fields to abiotic stresses like identified under column 2. Indian Research is drought, heat tolerance etc. slightly deficient in these areas and research Germplasm of wild collaborations and HRD at this Institute would be species, conservation beneficial to develop scientific expertise in the and characterization. country as well as to address these major problems. Environmental factors affecting spread of late blight. Late blight resistance breeding Electron microscopy of viruses Low temperature sweetening in stored potatoes. Training of CPRI Scientists in frontier areas. Identification & IPK is a strong centre of international potato Wild conservation of wild species collection, characterization and species cryoconservation. Indian research on wild spp needs Cryoconservation to be strengthened. Research collaboration and HRD at this institute would be beneficial to the country.

Contd...... 59

Organization Texas A & M, USA TIGR, USA

Details of areas in which collaboration is proposed Reasons for such linkages INM and IWM Genomics Research collaboration and HRD. Expertise and HRD in functional genomics (microarray and ESTs). Expertise on programmed cell death in relation to plant disease response. Cryopreservation is an important tool to conserve genetic resources for long periods. These will ease pressure on limiting resources like manpower, space and other inputs. Cold induced sweetening is a major problem in potato processing. Collaborative research programmes and training of our Scientists on these aspects will be highly beneficial for potato development in the country.

University of Chicago, Programmed cell death Illinois, USA University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Min., USA Cryo-preservation Low temperature sweetening Returns of investment in agricultural research

University of Reading, Marketing of farm produce During WTO era International marketing and Reading, UK and international trade market intellegence are important aspects for in potatoes. boosting potato export from India. Potato being Modelling of crop growth highly suitable for inclusion in intensive cropping and yield. systems, crop modelling is a new emerging tool in potato production. University of Wisconsin, USA Wageningen Agricultural University, Wageningen, Netherlands Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel. Germplasm Late blight breeding Potato genomics One of the largest repositories of potato germplasm, exceptional expertise in potato late blight breeding and QTL mapping. Expertise and HRD in genome sequencing and functional genomics.

Heat tolerance

Heat tolerant germplasm and renowned expertise in potato breeding

31.2. Production Linkages

APEDA, New Delhi Potato Export To identify international markets for fresh/table potatoes and processed products and accelerate potato export from India. Production of quality seed for export. TOT for storing table and processing potatoes at 10-12 0C. Stronger linkages with farmers co-operatives in potato growing areas of the country could be valuable for quality seed production, processing and marketing of potatoes. Evaluation and popularization of Indian processing potato varieties. Production of breeders/quality potato seed for NEH region Contd...... 60

Chambal Agritech Limited, Chandigarh Cold stores in different states Different Co-operatives

Seed Production Potato storage Seed production, processing and marketing

Frito-Lay (India), New Delhi Government of Manipur

Potato processing Seed production

Ministry of Food Processing Industry NGOs and Gram Panchayats NHB, Gurgaon Progressive potato growers SAUs in different potato producing states

Potato processing Processing Potato storage Seed production

Frontline research in potato processing and to put this research to commercial use in India. These are likely to be effective organizations to promote village level potato processing. Development and extension of economically viable storage technologies developed at CPRI. Production of breeders/quality potato seed for seed deficient areas.

Evaluation of technologies Evaluation of technologies developed at CPRI Seed production and AICRP (Potato) will be accelerated. The infrastructure in the form of land can be better utilized for production of breeders/quality seed by SAUs deficient seed producing areas. TOT on production, storage and utilization of potatoes developed at CPRI and AICRP (Potato) TERI has an excellent infrastructure for micro propagation which can be used for potato seed production for export in neighboring countries.

State departments of Transfer of Technologies Agriculture/Horticulture TERI, New Delhi Seed Production

13.3. Execution Arrangements CPRI and AICRP (Potato) will be responsible for carrying out the research. CPRI will also produce breeders seed of the required cultivars. Developmental activities will be undertaken by the relevant Government agencies. The main responsibility for coordination will lie with the Director CPRI. He will be advised by the Director General (ICAR), Deputy Director General (Horticulture) ICAR, Institute Management Committee (IMC) and Research Advisory Committee (RAC). He will be assisted by the Assistant Director General (Vegetable Crops), ICAR, Heads of Divisions of the Institute, Heads of the Regional Research Stations and Staff Research Council (SRC). The Project Coordinator, AICRP (Potato) will be responsible for coordination of research undertaken by AICRP. 14. CRITICAL INPUTS 14.1. Funds The minimum funds required for executing the research programmes of CPRI and AICRP (Potato) have already been discussed earlier i.e. a requirement of Rs. 72426 lakhs during the period upto 20242025. The funds are mainly required for developing and strengthening research infrastructure at the headquarters as well as at Regional Research Stations. Expenditure on contingencies is expected to increase substantially because of the needs of modernization and for maintenance of sophisticated equipment. 14.2. Manpower The sanctioned strength of scientific staff for CPRI is 109. At present there are 97 scientists belonging to 20 disciplines. The institute plans to fill remaining scientists during 2005-2007. During the years 200507, 2008-12, 2013-20 and 2021-25, the number of superannuating scientists will be 12, 25 and 10, respectively. These superannuating positions need to be filled during respective periods to meet the targets given under chapter 8. The details of manpower requirement is given in Table 23. Under AICRP (Potato) at present there are 86 scientists and no additional scientists are required upto 2025 except filling of posts in lieu of superannuation of scientists.
61

Table 23: Manpower requirement at CPRI upto 2025 Discipline Scientists in position 12 5 3 1 2 4 3 1 3 4 4 5 0 2 13 4 7 1 6 1 16 0 0 97 Additional required (2005-07) Additional required (2008-12) Additional required (2013-20) Additional required (2021-2025) 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 10

Agronomy Ag. Entomology Ag. Economics Ag. Statistics Comp. Application Ag. Extension Ag. Engg.(FM & P) Ag. Chemistry Biochemistry Biotechnology Gen. & Cytogenetics Horticulture Microbiology Nematology Plant Breeding Plant Physiology Soil Science Soil Physics. Seed Tech. Food Sci. & Technology Plant Pathology Environmental Science Agro-meteorology Total

1 (1 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 2 (2 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 2 (2 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 1 (0 + 1) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 1 (0 + 1) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 1 (0 + 1) 2 (1 + 1) 0 (0 + 0) 2 (0 + 2) 2 (0 + 2) 1 (0 + 1) 1 (1 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 2 (2 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 1 (0 + 1) 1 (0 + 1) 1 (0 + 1) 0 (0 + 0) 2 (2 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 2 (1 + 1) 6 (6 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 2 (2 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 2 (2 + 0) 2 (2 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 1 (1 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 3 (1 + 2) 2 (0 + 2) 1 (0 + 1) 6 (3 + 3) 11 (8 + 3) 4 (3 + 1) 1 (0 + 1) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 1 (0 + 1) 0 (0 + 0) 0 (0 + 0) 26 (12*+14**) 34 (25*+9**) 14 (10*+4**)

* No. of scientists likely to superannuate & posts required to be filled in lieu of their superannuation. **Additional requirement

15. REVENUE GENERATION DURING THE PERIOD 2005-2025 Presently CPRI is generating revenue through training/consultancy, funds received under externally funded schemes and sale of farm produce including breeders seed under Revolving Fund Scheme. The institute plans to generate Rs. 1015 Lakhs, Rs. 1725 Lakhs, Rs. 2840 Lakhs and Rs. 4665 Lakhs during 2005-07, 2008-12, 2013-20 and 2021-25, respectively through above means. Details of revenue generation are given in Table 24. Table 24: Tentative revenue generation by CPRI from 2005- 2025 Item 2005-07 2008-12 25.00 500.00 1200.00 2013-20 40.00 800.00 2000.00 2021-25 65.00 1300.00 3300.00 Training/Consultancies 15.00 Externally funded schemes 300.00 Sale of farm produce 700.00 (including breeders seed under RFS) Total 1015.00
Rs. in Lakhs

Total 145.00 2900.00 7200.00

1725.00
62

2840.00

4665.00

10245.00

16. HRD PLAN OF CPRI FOR THE PERIOD 2005-2025 HRD is an important instrument to improve efficiency and capabilities of scientific manpower. The institute plans to give high priority to this aspect and train CPRI scientists in emerging frontier areas of potato research. Training of scientists in national laboratories may not be difficult and can be managed within funds allotted to the institute. Training in foreign laboratories is, however, likely to involve considerable finances, which the institute hopes to get from the ICAR/DARE. The details of HRD in foreign laboratories are given in Table 25. Table 25: HRD Plan for CPRI scientists Area of HRD Integrated nutrient and water management Crop modeling and simulation Drought resistance Late blight forecasting Late blight breeding Programmed cell death Social Science (Economics, research priorities, extension etc.) Molecular aspects of virus resistance Antibiotic resistance free marker system Germplasm management Genomics Cryopreservation of germplasm Remote sensing and GIS International trade in potato Molecular aspects of late blight management Functional genomics Heat tolerance No. of persons Organization where HRD is suggested to be trained 2 1 1 3 1 4 Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Alternate Crops and Systems Laboratory, USDA, Beltsville Centre for Agro-biological Research (CABO), the Netherlands, Wageningen Cornell University, Ithaca, New York USA Country Thailand USA

Horticulture Research International, Warwick UK International Potato Centre, Lima Peru

1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

Max-Plank-Institute for Plant Breeding Research, W-5000 Koln 30 Salisbury Research Laboratory Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), TIGR University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Min. University of Quebec University of Reading, Reading University of Wisconsin Wageningen Agricultural University, the Netherlands, Wageningen Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot
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FRG UK UK USA USA Canada UK USA

Israel

17. RISK ANALYSIS The activities as envisaged above do not involve any major risk. There is of course ever present risk of accidental introduction into the country of an exotic pest or pathogen. Such introductions have occurred in the past. The cyst nematodes in the Nilgiri hills and the wart disease of Darjeeling hills are examples that we still live with. They can occur in the future if we relax our quarantine procedures in the name of liberalization of commerce. The potato is a risk prone crop primarily due to its high susceptibility to biotic stresses. The longer the crop duration, the higher is the risk. This risk is sought to be minimized by development of short duration cultivars. Potatoes are bulky and semi-perishable. Therefore, the sustainability of its increased production in the future is linked with continued increases in storage capacity, processing, efficient transportation, export and efficient marketing systems. The risk of environmental degradation from the cultivation of potatoes is negligible. There is a small risk of residual toxicity from agrochemicals applied to the crop, to the seed crop in particular. However, this risk is likely to taper off with the continuing switch over to less harmful chemicals and minimization of the use of chemicals. As far as rDNA research is concerned, it would be necessary to pursue this kind of research strictly in accordance with the regulatory guidelines. There is also the theoretical risk of the whole potato R&D programme failing to achieve its stated objectives or not even coming close to achieving them. But past experience does not support such a prognosis. 18. REVIEW Central Potato Research Institute is a premier research institute under ICAR and exclusively working on the potato as per mandate set by the Council. The Institute critically analyzed the strength, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of potato in India and had identified priority areas for potato research and development so as to achieve the target of 49 millions tones potato set by the planning commission by the year 2020. To achieve this target, it need multidisciplinary approach and accordingly research is being carried out under 21 research programmes involving scientists from Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Plant Protection, Crop Physiology and PHT, Seed Technology and Social Sciences. The technologies developed are retested at Institutes regional stations and also under AICRP potato centres spread over different agro climatic regions in the country before final recommendations are made. The results from programmes are presented by the programme leaders before Research Advisory Committee (RAC) at its annual meeting and the suggestions made by the subject experts are discussed in annual Institute Research Council (IRC) chaired by the Director. After deliberations among the scientists from Headquarter and Research station and results achieved as per programmes objectives and targets set, course corrections if necessary are made in the programmme so as to strengthen the activities wherever necessary. The overall progress under the various programmmes are further reviewed onec in five year and evaluated by QRTs appointed by the ICAR.
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19. RESOURCE GENERATION

IXth Plan
Detail 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1997-98 1998-99 3770225 328310 155869 735672 12683 474950 5477709 1999-00 3215012 370704 249228 202900 553435 326770 426580 5344629 2000-01 2001-02 Total Sale of Sale of Farm Produce 3670963 Rent 289349 Interest on Loan and Advances 79249 Machine & Vehicle 85000 Miscellaneous 759475 Leave Salary & Pension Contribution 25015 Interest on short term deposits 293151 Receipts from services rended by the Instt. I.RGS 1012877 TOTAL 6215079 3512165 3565833 17734198 413277 466985 1868625 257256 447013 1188615 70300 81000 439200 652593 831442 3532617 104010 28070 169778 335786 843086 2273743 80144 506724 - 1012877 5345387 6343573 28726377

Xth Plan
Detail 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2002-03 2003-04 4027544 485185 202954 83556 1187051 36920 662007 129717 351900 7166834 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 Total Sale of Sale of Farm Produce 4245428 Rent 491855 Interest on Loan and Advances 373257 Machine & Vehicle 198250 Miscellaneous 836470 Leave Salary & Pension Contribution 13545 Interest on short term deposits 453510 Receipts from services rended by the Instt. 555357 IRGS TOTAL 7167672 4195000 9816145 4224170 26508287 536723 503332 515600 2532695 462074 716040 884246 2638571 124250 216500 101000 723556 1195456 1197789 1760512 6177278 161801 109694 321960 721333 - 1836850 263900 1472744 3050 2424768 773830 1002077 7418708 9546515 8272566 15086428 15016980 52710480

Xth Plan
Item of activity Training/Consultancies Expected revenue generation from Trainings/consultancies Externally funded schemes Network project on Molecular breeding Network project on diagnostic of emerging plant viruses Evaluation, characterization & formulation developments of fungal diseases & sprouting in Potato Biotechnological approaches for reduction of cold induced sweetening Study on current status of potato production Funding 2007-08 agency 5.00 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 Total

5.00

5.00

5.00

5.00

25.00

AP Cess AP Cess AP Cess

Contd. Contd. Contd.

16.90 14.40 20.80

DBT

Contd.

Contd.

27.00

TIFAC

Contd.

2.53

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20. OUTPUT Though potato was introduced in India during 17th century, it remained an insignificant crop till independence. It gradually emerged as a profitable food crop as a consequence of sustained research effort of Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), established in the year 1949. During last 58 years, CPRI developed an array of high-impact technologies that shifted potato cultivation from cooler temperate climate in the hills to sub-tropical climate of vast Indo-Gangentic plains. Today, more than 90% potato area belongs to sub-tropical climate. It became possible only due to development of appropriate technologies by CPRI. The most important output of CPRI so far, is the development of 42 high yielding indigenous varieties including 4 processing varieties and 1 heat-tolerant variety suitable for growing under different agro-climatic conditions. Other major outputs with very high impact are: (i) the Seed Plot Technique which made it possible to carry out disease free seed production in the plains and established a national disease-free seed production programme for hills and plains, utilizing the low aphid periods identified in the plains, (ii) the Breeders Seed Production Programme that ensured availability of quality planting materials, (iii) the True Potato Seed (TPS) Technology for production of low cost planting materials, (iv) the Package of Practices for cultivation of ware and seed potato in different agro-climatic conditions, (v) identification of profitable potato-based cropping systems in different agro-climates, including inter-cropping of the potato with sugarcane and wheat, (vi) development of agricultural implements for mechanizing potato cultivation, including an oscillating tray type potato grader, fertilizer applicator-cum-line marker, potato culti-ridger, soil crust brakers, granular insecticide applicator, two/four row automatic potato planter, and potato digger, (vii) development of integrated package of practices for management of late blight, bacterial wilt, viruses and soil and tuber-borne diseases, (viii) development of sensitive virus detection techniques, (ix) development of strategies for restricting spread of wart disease and cyst nematode by effective quarantine, (x) development of techniques for storage of potato at elevated temperature and onfarm storage structures, (xi) standardization of tissue culture techniques for micro-propagation, in vitro micro-tuber production and rapid multiplication, (xi) generation of DNA fingerprints of all released varieties and advance hybried and (xii) development of transgenics with enhanced late blight resistance, reduced cold-induced sweetening and improved nutritional quality. The institute has critically analyzed the gaps and future thrust areas in potato research. Accordingly, research would be intensified during next two decades in the identified areas. Projected outputs in terms of technology generation by 2025 is given below. Remote sensing and GIS to identify potential new areas and cropping system for increasing area under potato. Diversify cultivation of potato as kharif crop in plateau region. Development of short duration potato varieties. Identification of heat tolerant potato hybrids for south India. Identify new hybrids with attributes of processing quality. Develop package of practices and varieties for new areas. Identify hybrid TPS populations giving better survival and plant vigour in transplanted seedlings. Incorporate potato in different cropping systems. Development of nutrient efficient potato varieties. Rescheduling of planting dates keeping in view global climate change. Encouraging micro-irrigation schemes. Identification of areas suitable for producing quality tuber seed in collaboration with the state departments of agriculture/horticulture/extension services & state agriculture universities.
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Encouraging TPS as alternative for producing quality planting material in NEH region. Integration of micro-propagation techniques for quality seed production. Production of 100% breeder seed from tissue culture raised and virus free nucleus materials. Strengthen the quality tuber seed production in seed deficit potato growing regions. Need based spray schedule for late blight management. Targeted improvement of late blight resistance by genetic engineering. Refinement and popularisation of IDM for soil and tuber borne diseases. IPM for emerging pests like white fly and stem necrosis. Targeted improvement of processing quality by genetic engineering. Encouraging intermediate temperature (10-12 C) storage and improvised on-farm storage. Encouraging gamma irradiation to increase shelf life. Post harvest processing and value addition. Increasing potato processing to at least 10% of the total produce. Increasing domestic consumption and export.

The Intellectual Property and Technology portfolio of CPRI includes 42 high yielding potato cultivars, 3 TPS populations, 8 registered germplasm, designs of several agricultural implements, 3 computer softwares, number of digital databases, and more than 20 profitable technology packages (See the box). Protecting or patenting research output was not a preferred practice in CPRI so far. Even then, three innovations have been chosen for patent protection. The technologies generated at CPRI are being used for Contract Research, Contract Services, and Advisory Consultancy, etc. in addition to allowing free access to farmers and general public. The IP regime of ICAR and its constituent institutes are poised for a major shift as a consequence of TRIPS Agreement of WTO. Under this agreement, the member countries of WTO (including India) are obliged to provide intellectual property rights (IPR) in one form or the other in all fields of technology, including agriculture. It has been recognized that research in frontier sciences, such as agri-biotechnology will require intellectual property (IP) protection through patents, plant variety protection and other forms of IPR. Public-private partnerships will play an increasing role in the advancement of agricultural research under the new IPR regime. The transfer of IPR enabled agricultural technologies through commercial route will gain greater importance. In response to the changing scenario of technology generation and dissemination, ICAR has developed a policy framework that will guide the management of IP created by its scientists/ innovators at its institutions. In compliance to the guidelines, CPRI has constituted its Institute Technology Management Committee (ITMC) chaired by the Director. The committee would be responsible for formulating an appropriate strategy for ensuring protection and commercialization of innovations made by the staff of the institute. Effort will be made to substantiate resource generation of the institute by commercializing its intellectual properties. Scientists of the institute contributed a large number of articles in Indian, foreign journals as well as in proceedings. They also brought out several topical books, contemporary popular articles, review articles in English and vernacular languages and also contributed chapters in edited books of Indian and foreign publishers. Besides, the institute also brought out a large number of technical and extension bulletins, manuals, etc. for scientific and farming community. The institute would continue to encourage its scientists to publish their research findings in reputed foreign journals after securing IP protection, if any. Wherever
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CPRI would decide not to apply for IPR protection, efforts will be made to quickly publish the research results and thereby bring the information/knowledge into public domain. This will also be done through digitalization of the publications creating widely accessible prior art so that any unacknowledged use of the public domain information is forestalled. Intellectual Property and Technology Portfolio of CPRI Varieties & Germplasm Released 42 high yielding cultivars for different agro-climatic zones. Developed 3 TPS population. Registered 8 germplasm materials. Computer Softwares Var Track- a computer software for identifying Indian Potato cultivars based on morphological and microsatellite database. ivCMS Version 2.0: A computer program for in vitro germplasm conservation management. INFOCROP-POTATO: A Simulation model Technologies Seed Plot Technique. TPS production under short days. Raising of seedling transplants crop from TPS. Seedling tuber production from TPS. Micro-tuber production technology. Semi-automated potato DNA Genotyping. Immunodiagnostic kits and immune electron microscopy for detection and identification f common potato viruses. Nucleic acid based diagnostics of potato viruses. Use of a fungal bioagents for the control of black scurf disease of potato. Soil solarization for control of soil-borne diseases of potato. Control of tuber-borne diseases with boric acid treatment. Integrated management of bacterial wilt. Evaporatively cooled potato store. Storage of potatoes meant for processing at 10-12C with CIPC treatment. Heap storage of potato. Potato custard powder. Potato seed production. Patents Automated Hydroponic System for Potato Microtuber Production in vitro. (824/DEL/2001). Biofertilizer-cum-Biofungicide/Biobactericide composition B5. (3456/DEL/2005A) Gashemin DNA Agarose Plug Insert Device and Driver for Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis. (255/DEL/2001).
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21. OUTCOME Potato research in India paid a rich dividend during last six decades. Technologies generated by CPRI triggered a revolution in potato production causing very fast growth in area, production and productivity. Potato production jumped from 1.54 million metric ton (MT) in the year 1949-50 to 24.22 million MT during 1996-97, thus making India the third largest potato producer in the world after China and Russia. However, potato yield in India is better than the first two countries, i.e. China and Russia. Agriculture contributes about 25% of Indias GDP. A major share of agricultural output is contributed by cereals and other grain crops. Potato contributes about 2.0% of the total agricultural output. This is a significant contribution considering the fact that potato is cultivated in only 0.67% of the total cropped area. In comparison, wheat and paddy contributes about 12.6% from 13.8% area and 22.4% from 24.1% area respectively. The average ratio of per cent value output to the per cent cropped area for potato, wheat and paddy during the period 1978-79 to 1995-96 were 3.3:1, 0.92:1 and 0.96:1, respectively. This indicates that potato contributes about 3.5 times more than both wheat and paddy from unit area to the national economy in agricultural sub-sector. Production of breeders seed is a major activity of the institute. At least US$ 500 million of foreign exchange is being saved every year due to availability of good quality indigenous seed through the institute. Potato research in India has always been a highly cost effective venture. For example, total outlay on R&D of potato during 1998-99 was about Rs. 100.00 million, which was only 0.17% of potatos contribution to the national economy. During 10th plan period, the total outlay for the scheme was Rs. 1,291 million, while potato contributed at least Rs. 100 billion annually to the economy. However, only 0.26% of the potatos contribution to national economy was invested in R&D of this crop. India Vision 2020 prepared by the Planning Commission, Govt. of India projected a scenario in which the future agricultural sector would be A vibrant, highly productive commercial farm sector that can ensure food & nutritional security, generate employment opportunities, stimulate industrialization, and produce renewable energy from biomass and fuel crops. CPRI will strive to fulfill that projected outcome in letter and spirit. Fortunately, the potato crop has all the virtues to meet the projected aspirations. It is a highly productive crop that can fit into the requirements of emerging farm sector. Potato processing sector is currently in a high growth path giving a fillip to agri-business. Potato waste can also be an alternative for producing bio-fuels. Potato will be an ideal candidate for crop diversification. It is a labour-intensive crop and contributes significantly to employment generation in the rural economy. Potato requires an input of 250 man-days for cultivation of one hectare area. Currently, potato is being cultivated in an area of 1.4 million ha annually, thereby creating 0.35 billion man-days of rural employment every year. Moreover, women labourers have an edge over men in potato cultivation. They are preferred for planting, harvesting, and grading operations. Besides, about 90 percent of potato processing in India is done in the unorganized sector, which provides employment to a large number of rural women. CPRI has chalked out a future R&D strategy as illustrated in this perspective plan. These activities are likely to make potato cultivation economically, technologically, socially and environmentally sustainable in the country. The export-oriented research is also likely to open new avenues for promoting potato export from the country. The likely outcome of the R&D efforts would be as follows. Increase in potato area and production (52 million metric ton from 1.8 million ha area). Production of 100% nucleus seed material of potato through tissue culture and ensuring truthfully labeled seed material to farmers. Availability of heat tolerant, short duration, and processing grade potato varieties.
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Application of biotechnology to solve chronic problem in potato farming. Availability of entire potato genome sequence data and identification of genes controlling late blight horizontal resistance and tuberization through functional genomics. Knowledge based potato farming to avoid gluts and economic loss. Precision farming of potato extending farm sustainability. Post-harvest processing of at least 10% potato produce by organized sector. Year-round utilization of potato. Management of crop losses due to biotic stresses in ecologically sustainable manner. Improvement of potato productivity in North-eastern states. Efficient transfer of modern technologies to farmers.

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