Punjab Newsline, Shimla, August 20-
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said alternative sources of income should be made available to the farmers in view of the changing climatic conditions. He stressed the need to establish a potato based industry in the State. He was addressing on the 76th Foundation Day of the CPRI, Shimla, as the chief guest here today.
He said that diversification of crops could prove to be fruitful to ensure food and nutrition security for the growing population of the country. He said that potato was the major vegetable crop of India which contributes about 28 per cent of the total vegetable production. He said that India was the second largest potato producer in the world after China and accounting for about 15 percent of the global potato production. During the year 2022-23, India reached a record high of over Rs. 20 billion in the export value of potato, he added.
The Governor said that potato crop was cultivated in about 14000 hectare area in Himachal, producing approximately two lakh tonnes of crop. Though less than the national average, yet it good and unmatched quality, it generates good income for farmers.
