Inaugural Ceremony of the National Symposium on Potato (NSP-2025)

The inaugural ceremony of the three-day National Symposium on “Harnessing Potato Innovations, Diversity for Food and Nutritional Security” was held at ICAR- Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station, Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The event marked significant milestones, including the anniversary of the Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) and the 50th anniversary of the Indian Potato Association (IPA). This prestigious symposium brought together eminent dignitaries, scientists, industry representatives, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies and advancements in potato research and production.

Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR-CPRI and President of IPA, warmly welcomed the esteemed dignitaries, delegates, and participants. In his address, Dr. Singh reflected on ICAR-CPRI’s remarkable 75-year journey and its contributions to advancing potato research in India. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure food and nutritional security through innovative approaches in potato science.

Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, ADG (Flowers, Vegetables, Spices, and Medicinal Plants), ICAR, highlighted the significance of the symposium in addressing critical challenges in the potato sector. He emphasized the need to utilize innovations and diversity to achieve sustainability and resilience in potato farming.

Dr. Birpal Singh, Former Director of ICAR-CPRI, shared his thoughts on the pressing challenges faced by the potato sector, including disease management and sustainable practices. He emphasized the need for advanced research and development to address these challenges effectively and ensure growth in the potato industry.

Dr. S.K. Malhotra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, addressed the gathering and spoke about increasing potato productivity in the era of climate change. He highlighted the role of natural farming, biostimulants, precision farming, processing industries, and irrigation systems in enhancing the potato value chain.

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticulture), ICAR, delivered the Presidential Address. He stressed the importance of utilizing potato waste for biofuel production and emphasized post-harvest management, cold storage facilities, and sustainable practices to enhance the sector’s efficiency.

Padma Bhushan Dr. R.B. Singh, Former Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, delivered the keynote address as the Chief Guest. He emphasized the pivotal role of potatoes in ensuring food security and discussed innovative approaches such as blockchain management, biostimulants, and precision farming to address future challenges in the potato sector.

The ceremony also included the felicitation of two distinguished former Directors of ICAR-CPRI, Dr. S.K. Pandey and Dr. Birpal Singh, for their remarkable contributions to potato research and development. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R.K. Singh, Convenor of the Symposium and Head, ICAR-CPRI, RS Modipuram.

The ceremony also included the release of six significant publications that reflected the dedication and innovation of researchers in the field of potato science and the dignitaries inaugurated the potato technology exhibition.