State's first aeroponic technology based lab to be built in Gwalior

• 05 May 2022

Why In News?

On May 4, 2022, an aeroponic method for production of virus-free potato seeds was signed with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Government of Madhya Pradesh in Delhi.

Key Points

• The Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed this unique technology of air potato seed production.
• This agreement has been signed to license this technology to the Horticulture Department of Madhya Pradesh. According to the contract, the state's first aeroponic technology based lab will be set up in Gwalior.
• Madhya Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Food Processing, Bharat Singh Kushwaha said that aeroponic technology will meet the requirement of potato seed to a great extent. This technology will play an effective role in doubling the income of the farmers.
• Significantly, Madhya Pradesh is the sixth largest producer of potato. Malwa region of the state plays an important role in potato production. Major potato growing areas in the state are Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain, Dewas, Shajapur, Bhopal and other small areas of the state Chhindwara, Sidhi, Satna, Rewa, Rajgarh, Sagar, Damoh, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Panna, Morena, Chhatarpur, Vidisha, Ratlam. and Betul.
• State Horticulture Commissioner E. Ramesh Kumar said that Madhya Pradesh needs about 4 lakh tonnes of seeds, which will be met with this technology with a capacity to produce 10 lakh mini tubers. In Gwalior, potato crop has been selected in 'One District - One Product'.
• It is noteworthy that through aeroponic, the nutrients are sprayed into the roots in the form of misting. The upper part of the plant remains in the open air and light. An average of 35-60 minicands (3-10 grams) are obtained from one plant. Since the soil is not used, there are no diseases related to the soil.