Every year, as the earth awakens to the promise of a new harvest, farmers across India eagerly plant their potato seeds, hoping for a bountiful yield. But behind the scenes, a silent army of unsung heroes plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and health of our beloved spuds. These are the roguers, and one of their most prominent champions is Akbar, a mechanical engineer turned potato whisperer.
Akbar’s journey into the world of roguing began somewhere around 2006 when he saw an opportunity in this often-overlooked aspect of potato cultivation. His father, Mugle Azam, already involved in potato work with the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Jalandhar, Punjab, was in discussion for a big contract, and Akbar seized the chance to join him and formed Akbar Agribusiness, an enterprise specializing in Potato roguing.
Today, Akbar leads a team of 500 roguers who tirelessly work across more than 22,000 acres of potato fields in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. His expertise has become so sought after that major companies like Mahindra HZPC, PepsiCo, McCain, Hyfun, and Greenfay, as well as prominent farms like Dhillon Farm (Zira, Ferozpur), Karanvir Farm (Moga), and Noor Farm (Haryana), rely on Akbar’s team for their roguing needs.
But what exactly is roguing? It’s a meticulous process that involves identifying and removing rogue potato plants from otherwise healthy crops. These rogue plants can be anything from unwanted weeds to plants of the wrong variety, or even those infected with diseases like virus or blackleg. Ultimately roguing helps in getter better yields, avoids mixing of different potato varieties in next generations and avoids diseases.
Akbar’s team is trained to identify not only the variety of potato plant but also its health. They meticulously examine each plant, looking for signs of disease or deformities, ensuring only the healthiest and most desirable plants remain. This meticulous work, often done under challenging conditions, is crucial for maintaining the quality and consistency of potato crops.
While the work may seem simple, it demands a keen eye and a deep understanding of potato varieties and diseases. Akbar’s team undergoes rigorous training to become experts in recognizing healthy plants from rogue ones. Their work is essential for ensuring the success of potato farms, and ultimately, for providing consumers with healthy and delicious potatoes.
Akbar’s story is an example to the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our food security. He is a shining example of how dedication, skill, and a passion for quality can make a significant impact in the agricultural industry. As we enjoy our potato fries or mashed potatoes, let us remember the tireless efforts of individuals like Akbar and his team, who ensure that our plates are filled with the best potatoes possible.
