In a significant move to strengthen India’s potato seed production system and ensure the wider availability of quality planting material, the Revolving Fund Seed Management Committee (RFSMC) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s (ICAR) Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, has approved the resumption of tissue culture-based multiplication of ‘Kufri Bahar’, one of the country’s most widely cultivated potato varieties.
The decision was taken at the annual RFSMC meeting for 2026-27, held in Shimla on Monday under the chairmanship of CPRI Director Dr Brajesh Singh. Addressing the meeting, Dr Singh said the decision to restart tissue culture-based multiplication of ‘Kufri Bahar’ was taken in response to sustained demand from farmers. He noted that tissue culture technology facilitates the rapid production of disease-free, high-quality planting material, making the seed production process more efficient and faster.
“The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the availability of quality seed material and ensure timely supply to farmers,” he said.
He added that the decision assumes particular importance for Uttar Pradesh, where ‘Kufri Bahar’ accounts for more than 70 per cent of the total potato cultivation area. Experts believe the move will accelerate seed multiplication, improve access to quality planting material and contribute to higher productivity and better crop performance.
During the meeting, presentations were made by the institute headquarters and its regional centres at Modipuram, Gwalior, Jalandhar, Patna, Kufri-Fagu, Ooty and Shillong. The presentations reviewed progress made during the year, assessed region-specific challenges and explored opportunities to strengthen the potato seed production network.
