International Day of Potato 2026 celebrated at PSDF Nathatop
30/05/2026
Jammu, May 30(KIP)-The Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Jammu today celebrated International Day of Potato 2026 at Potato Seed Development Farm (PSDF) Nathatop under the guidance of Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta.
Joint Director Agriculture (Farms/SLUB) Jammu Aman Jyoti Sharma spearheaded the programme.
More than 30 farmers participated in the programme, which was organised under the theme "Where Potatoes Grow, Livelihoods Flourish." Among those present were Agriculture Economist Tilak Raj Sharma, Potato Development Officer Jammu Ravi Sharma, Farm Manager PSDF Nathatop Ravinder Singh, besides officers and staff of the department.
The Director extended greetings to farmers, agriculture professionals, FPOs and stakeholders. He highlighted the vital role of potato cultivation in ensuring food security, nutritional security, employment generation and sustainable rural livelihoods.
Joint Director Agriculture (Farms/SLUB) Aman Jyoti Sharma emphasised the adoption of scientific cultivation practices, quality seed and modern technologies to enhance potato productivity and farmers income. He highlighted the importance of potato cultivation as a key contributor to the agricultural economy of the region.
Agriculture Economist Tilak Raj Sharma stressed the economic potential of potato cultivation and advised farmers to explore value addition and collective marketing initiatives for better returns. Potato Development Officer Ravi Sharma informed that potato cultivation occupies nearly 900 hectares in hilly areas and about 2,045 hectares in plain areas of Jammu Division, where farmers are cultivating several improved and high-yielding varieties. Farm Manager Ravinder Singh sensitised farmers about improved potato varieties, scientific cultivation practices and disease management techniques.
During the programme, farmers received education on the importance of potato cultivation, quality seed production and modern crop management practices. A field visit was also conducted at the farm where participants observed seed multiplication activities, improved potato varieties and scientific cultivation methods. Progressive farmers shared their experiences and success stories, encouraging fellow farmers to adopt improved technologies for higher productivity and profitability.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 30 May as the International Day of Potato in December 2023, recognising the potato as a vital food crop consumed by more than one billion people worldwide.