Punjab should be declared as \"Potato Seed Producing Area\": JPGA

Jalandhar (PTI): Noting that as the agriculture land in the state is very conducive for producing potato seed crop, Jalandhar Potato Grower Association (JPGA) demanded that the Punjab should be declared as special \"Potato Seed Producing Area\".



At present the foundation seeds prepared by the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, is being distributed in all the states on the instruction of Union Agriculture Ministry, but except Punjab, which further develops the seeds and supply in all over the country, in rest of the states foundation seeds turned into waste, Jaswinder Singh Sangha, General Secretary of the JPGA told reporters.



\"If Punjab is declared Potato Seed Producing Area, then it will get the major chunk of the foundation seeds from CPRI for developing it in bulk for further supply in all over the country\", he said adding that during the recent World Potato Conference held in New Delhi, a resolution for the purpose was passed and union government\'s representative, in principally agreed on it.



He also said that during the conference, the JPGA also demanded that Potato should also be included in the \"Food category\" on the pattern of other food items like wheat and paddy at international level.



By http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/015200903070923.htm
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