Last week, MHZPC, a 60/40 joint venture between Mahindra Agri Solutions Limited (MASL) and HZPC Holding BV, started a new, particularly modern, miniature tuber laboratory in Mohali, located in the vicinity of the city of Chandigarh in Punjab, Northern India. This facility has been opened by Mr Stoelinga, Ambassador for the Netherlands in India, in the presence of Mr Ashok Sharma, MD and CEO-MASL and Mr Gerard Backx, CEO HZPC Holding BV.
This new facility will produce high-quality miniature tubers by using an innovative process and the latest technology. These miniature tubers will be used for the production of high-quality potatoes for Indian consumers.
MD and CEO MASL, Mr Ashok Sharma says: “As pioneers in agricultural technology in India, MASL is committed to developing special techniques and products. These innovations will be particularly beneficial to the entire agricultural community as well as to the consumers. The use of aeroponic technology is one example of that. It will contribute to the provision of high quality raw materials for our farmers and lead to higher productions. Consumers will profit from this because the supply of food will be larger and more diverse.”
CEO HZPC, Mr Gerard Backx says: “HZPC exports its strains to various places all over the world. Because we cannot export potatoes to India, we produce miniature tubers in India. In this manner, agriculturalists and consumers can use the genetics of HZPC for local production. The new HZPC strains will ensure higher yields and better-quality potatoes.This laboratory allows us to produce many more miniature tubers than is currently possible, by using modern techniques.”
The aeroponic technology ensures production of mini tubers in a closed environment without soil. The necessary nutrients are administered to the plants by spraying the roots and lower stems with water, enriched with nutrients.
By producing many miniature tubers, agriculturalists and industries can use higher-quality seed potatoes and they can have quicker use of new varieties.