Technico Agri Sciences, an agri-biotech company owned by diversified Indian conglomerate ITC, has signed an agreement with the James Hutton Institute in Scotland to introduce 16 new potato varieties and 600 potato clones to India.
These differentiated varieties, expected to improve yields by 15 to 20 per cent, will undergo trials and evaluation to identify varieties best suitable for cultivation in different States the company said in a statement today.
The varieties are expected to benefit Indian potato farmers, particularly in the States of UP, MP, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal and Bihar, potato processing industry as well as potato exports from the country.
The agreement signed in a function at Chandigarh would be for five years, it said.
“Technico has been engaging extensively with farmers and processors across different geographies to help improve farm yield in potatoes significantly. The improvement in yields along with better prices for such varieties has contributed to the doubling of farmers’ income and has also facilitated exports and processing,” Sachid Madan, Chief Executive of Technico Agri Sciences was quoted in the release.
Andrew Ayre, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh said, “Agri-tech is a key area of bilateral co-operation, and a core UK strength. I am delighted that this partnership will improve farmer incomes and bring more choice to consumers.”
Source: Economic Times India
