In its recent step to boost Haryana agriculture sector and transform Haryana Potato farming in the region, the Haryana Horticulture Department and the International Potato Centre (CIP) have officially signed a MoU. The agreement marks a great step towards boosting high-quality potato seed production in southern Haryana. The collaboration is aimed at providing farmers with superior quality disease-free seeds and ultimately increasing their income.
Financial Assistance from Government
Central govt. has also expressed its interest over the project and guaranteed to financially assist the project. Central government under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) will financially assist the project with a budget of Rs 4.48 crore in the first installment. The total budget of the project has been set at Rs. 18.70 crore, which will be implemented in a phased manner over four years. This scheme will prove to be a long-term investment towards making Haryana self-reliant in potato seed production.
Initiative to Improve Seed Quality
Under this MoU, early generation seeds will be prepared, which will be disease-free and will be suitable for the local climate. The special focus of this project will be on the districts of South Haryana – Dadri, Bhiwani, Mahendragarh and Rewari – where potato seed production has been limited till now.