Pragati, Koraput with International Potato Center (CIP), Bhubaneswar and Government of Odisha, have initiated Potato cultivation in Koraput district of South Odisha through the Small Farmers Large Field project. CIP has been providing technical support to Pragati in terms of seed treatment, plantation, weeding and handholding support to the farmers in potato cultivation. Seed support of 16,000 bags of potatoes (8,000 quintals) of “Kufri Jyoti” variety of potato in convergence with the Horticulture Department of Govt. of Odisha has been received and planted in 800 acres of lands covering Nandapur, Lamtaput and Koraput Blocks. Currently field monitoring has been going on in various potato fields on pest and disease management and regular visits of the Researchers and Scientists from CIP has also been ensured by Pragati. Apart from this, 50,000 seedlings of Apical Root Cutting of high yielding Kufri Himalini variety of potato was distributed to various fields for plantation from Dayanidhiguda nursery of Koraput. Such initiative by Pragati will ensure alternate food options, provide climate resilient agriculture and fulfil the nutritional security, of the rural poor and marginal farmers.
