Uttar Pradesh ranks first in India in terms of potato production. The state alone contributes around 35% of the country’s total potato yield. The average yield per hectare in UP is approximately 23–25 tonnes, which is significantly higher than the national average. Now, full preparations are underway to further improve this yield.
Potato is a vegetable that is used in almost every kitchen and in a wide variety of dishes. It can be boiled, fried, roasted, or mashed. Potatoes are also used in snacks, chips, papads, namkeens, and even in the production of vodka and ethanol. Due to its year-round availability and affordability, it is often referred to as the "King of Vegetables." The Uttar Pradesh government has prepared a comprehensive plan to enhance the value of this 'king'.
The Central Potato Research Institute is located in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with only two branches in Meerut and Patna. As a result, lakhs of potato-growing farmers in and around Agra are unable to receive timely research-based support. Now, a branch of the Peru-based International Potato Center is being set up in Agra. This will provide farmers access to improved seeds, new technologies, and better knowledge of varieties.
These Advanced Varieties Will Yield More in Less Time: According to Dr. S.P. Singh, Senior Vegetable Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gorakhpur, through these centers, farmers will be able to learn about high-yielding, quick-maturing, and temperature-tolerant potato varieties. This will increase the local availability of quality seeds and allow farmers to select varieties according to market demand. Some prominent varieties include Kufri Neelkanth, Kufri Shaurya, and Kufri Khyati.
Potato is also nutritionally important: Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. Carbohydrates are a major source of energy, magnesium is essential for bones and muscles, and fiber aids digestion. In addition, potatoes contain essential minerals such as iron, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and manganese, which are vital for the human body.
