Department of Agriculture celebrates First International Day of Potato

JAMMU, MAY 30: The Department of Agriculture Production and Farmer Welfare, Jammu celebrated the first-ever International Day of Potato, recognizing the importance of this versatile crop consumed by over one billion people globally. In December 2023, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 30 as the International Day of Potato, acknowledging its status as a vital food source. Potatoes are eaten by more than one billion people around the world.

The UN had declared “In 2024, we mark the first International Day of Potato by focusing on the contribution of the potato to the lives of producers and consumers with the timely theme: ‘Harvesting diversity, feeding hope.”

Director Agriculture Jammu, S. A.S Reen, in his address, underscored the pivotal role of potatoes in the region’s agricultural landscape, praising the efforts of farmers in cultivating this vital crop. He emphasized the significance of harnessing agricultural diversity to address global food security challenges.

Highlighting the significance of potato cultivation in the region, the Director delineated the distinctive sowing seasons. In the hilly terrains of Jammu, potato planting spans from April to May covering approximately 900 hectares. Conversely, in the plain areas, the sowing window extends from September to October, encompassing around 2000 hectares of land.

The Director elaborated on the prevalent varieties cultivated, including Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Himalini, Kufri Surya, Kufri Badshah, and the newly introduced variety, Lady Rosetta. He emphasized the adoption of modern mechanized techniques for both cultivation and harvesting processes, highlighting the potential for enhanced production.

He further highlighted the array of projects initiated by the Department of Agriculture Jammu to bolster agricultural practices and augment the welfare of local farmers.

Small-scale and family farming production of the potato, particularly by rural farmers, including women farmers, supports efforts to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty, and achieve food security.