The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council's Plant Sciences Division emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to develop potato varieties that adapt well to local conditions in Pakistan, during a Variety Evaluation Committee (VEC) meeting held on November 16, 2023.
Chaired by Dr. Imtiaz Hussain, the VEC Chairman and a member of the Plant Sciences Division, the meeting saw the presentation of 19 proposals for new potato varieties and ten previously approved ones. Montreal was the only processing variety that got approved for commercial cultivation.
From the new list of 19 potato varieties, four table potato varieties - Tornado, Electra, Fundago, and Rainbow - received unanimous approval for commercial cultivation. These varieties are expected to boost potato production and contribute to the country's food security.
Decisions were also made regarding trial repetitions for specific varieties and recommendations for processing purposes. Montreal and SHC 1010 were recommended for processing, provided they meet specific virus-free and true-to-type seed multiplication requirements.
The committee also approved local seed multiplication for Lady Rosétta, subject to verification of authorization from the concerned entity. This decision promotes inclusivity in potato cultivation.
Source: potatopro.com
