Koraput/Sunabeda: The Department of Agriculture, Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput, in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru, organised a Potato Innovation and Technology Demonstration Programme on the university campus. The programme focused on emerging technologies in potato seed production, protected cultivation, research collaboration and capacity building.
CUO Vice-Chancellor Prof Ajit Kumar Shasany inaugurated polyhouse and net-house facilities established under the potato project for potato cut ting/rooted cutting production under protected cultivation on the university campus. The programme was attended by University Dean Prof Narasingha Charan Panda and distinguished scientists from CIP, including Global Scientist Kalpana Sharma, Elly Atieno and Nabakishore Parida. The programme began with a welcome address by Manjushree Singh, Head of the Department of Agriculture, who welcomed the visiting CIP scientists and highlighted the department’s efforts to promote innovative, technology-driven and field-oriented agricultural research.
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The technical sessions focused on advanced potato seed production techniques, particularly aeroponics and apical root cutting. Participants discussed the potential of these technologies to produce quality planting material and strengthen sustainable potato production systems suited to the agroecological conditions of Koraput and the wider region. Sharma stressed the need to strengthen academic and research linkages between CUO and CIP, suggesting that agriculture students be involved in collaborative research projects for practical exposure to advanced potato technologies. Shasany proposed initiating an MoU between the two institutions for joint research, student training, technology demonstration and capacity building. Atieno and Parida appreciated the Agriculture department’s participation and commitment to innovation and field-oriented research.
