Potato Field Day will be organized on January 31, 2020. This will include demonstration of advancements in potato mechanization, potato varieties and latest technologies. Our PM Narendra Modi had addressed the 3rd Global Potato Conclave at Gandhinagar, Gujarat through Video Conferencing recently. The previous two Global Potato Conferences were organized during 1999, and 2008. The Conclave was organized by Indian Potato Association (IPA) in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, and ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla and International Potato Center (CIP), Lima, Peru. While addressing Modi said that it is significant that the 3rd Global Potato Conclave is being held in Gujarat, the leading state in Potato production and productivity in the country. There is no doubt that the area under potato cultivation increased by about 20% in India in the last eleven years, it has increased by about 170% in Gujarat during the same period. In a gap of every ten years, it is necessary to work out the achievements in the potato sector and set a roadmap for the forthcoming decade. As per the report, Gujarat is one of the leading producers of potato in the country. In the last eleven years alone, while the area under potato in India, has increased by 19%, it has increased by about 170% in Gujarat (49.7 thousand ha in 2006-07 to 133 thousand ha in 2017-18). With a productivity of more than 30t/ha, Gujarat is holding the No. 1 position in India for last one decade. The State uses modern methods of agriculture like sprinkler and drip irrigation for cultivation. The State also has the best of the cold storage facilities and linkages and is a hub for major potato processing industries in the country. In addition, most of the potato exporters are also based in Gujarat.
Scientists around the world, potato farmers and other stakeholders have gathered for the Global Potato Conclave to discuss the important aspects related to food and nutrition demand in the next few days. The 3rd Global Potato Conclave will provide an opportunity to bring all stakeholders at one common platform so that all the issues are discussed and future plans are made involving everyone related to the potato sector.
Potatoes are edible tubers, available worldwide and all year long. If we talk about health benefits , potatoes are relatively cheap to grow, rich in nutrients, and they can make a delicious treat. Potatoes contain important nutrients, even when cooked, that can benefit human health in various ways. Potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber. Fiber helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease. Potatoes are a great source of vitamin B6. This plays a vital role in energy metabolism, by breaking down carbohydrates and proteins into glucose and amino acids. These smaller compounds are more easily utilized for energy within the body.
The Prime Minister urged the scientists to provide solutions to various issues in Agriculture through modern biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Block chain, Drone Technology. He said that the greatest responsibility of the scientific community and policy makers is to see that no one is left hungry or malnourished. |
