ICAR - CPRI Hosts National Potato Fair 2026 in Modipuram on National Potato Day

ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Regional Station, Modipuram, Meerut, organized a one-day National Potato Fair–2026 on the occasion of National Potato Day, bringing together farmers, scientists, industry representatives and other stakeholders.

The Chief Guest, Shri Rajkumar Sangwan, Member of Parliament, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the importance of natural and organic farming. ICAR experts shared information on improved, nutrient-rich, heat-tolerant and disease-resistant potato varieties, along with virus-free seed production technologies. Technical interaction sessions enabled farmers to engage directly with scientists and seek solutions to field-level challenges.

Distinguished guests included Dr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, New Delhi; Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General (Horticultural Sciences), ICAR, New Delhi; and Dr. Sunil Kumar, Director, ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram.

Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director, ICAR-CPRI, Shimla, outlined the institute’s key achievements and future roadmap in potato research and development.
 

Technology Showcase and Farmer Participation

A technical exhibition featuring 20 stalls was inaugurated during the programme. The exhibition showcased improved potato varieties, production technologies, potato products, bio-inputs, agro-industrial innovations and drone applications in agriculture. Two institute publications were also released during the event.

Approximately 350 participants from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Karnataka attended the fair. The event aimed to disseminate updated scientific knowledge on potato production, crop protection, post-harvest management and modern agricultural technologies. Progressive farmers were also felicitated during the programme.

Technology showcase and improved potato varieties at National Potato Fair–2026, ICAR–CPRI Modipuram