5,000 Kg of Certified Potato Seeds for Nagaland’s Potato Farmers By KVK Kohima. KVK Kohima Distributes 5,000kg Kufri Jyoti Potato Seeds to Farmers Agriculture has always been the heartbeat of Nagaland. In the hills and valleys of the state, farming isn’t just a job; it is a way of life that sustains families and communities. Recognizing this, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Kohima recently took a major step to help local farmers grow better crops and secure their livelihoods. In a significant event held this past week, the organization distributed a massive amount of high-quality potato seeds to farmers from Kohima and Tseminyu districts. A Major Boost for Local Farmers On December 9, 2025, the KVK Kohima campus was buzzing with activity. The center organized a special programme that combined training with the distribution of seeds. The highlight of the day was the distribution of 5,000 kilograms of certified potato seeds. These weren’t just any potatoes; they were the “Kufri Jyoti” variety, which is known for being reliable and producing good yields. The seeds were given to a diverse group of people who are the backbone of the rural economy. Beneficiaries included Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs), local farmers’ clubs, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). A special focus was placed on farm women, who often do the bulk of the work in the fields but don’t always get the same access to resources as men. By putting these high-quality seeds directly into the hands of the people who work the land, KVK Kohima is hoping to see a bumper harvest in the coming season. Link Why This Matters: Science Meets Tradition The event was more than just a giveaway. It was sponsored by the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) under their North East Hills (NEH) programme. The leadership at the event emphasized that giving out seeds is only half the battle; knowing how to grow them in a changing world is the other half. Dr. Ruokuovilie Mezhatsu, the Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Kohima, spoke to the farmers about the changing environment. Farmers everywhere are noticing that the weather isn’t as predictable as it used to be. Rain comes late, or it rains too much, or it gets too hot. Dr. Mezhatsu explained that sticking to old methods might not work as well anymore. He urged the farmers to adopt scientific methods. By combining their traditional knowledge with modern techniques, farmers can protect their crops from these weather changes. The Economic Angle Potatoes are a staple food in many households, not just in Nagaland but across India. Dr. Shisarenla Aier, a horticulture specialist, highlighted why this crop is so important. When farmers grow better varieties like Kufri Jyoti, they get more potatoes from the same patch of land. This means they have enough to eat and plenty left over to sell. Dr. Aier pointed out that using improved varieties reduces the risk of the crop failing. For a small farmer, a failed crop can be a disaster. By using certified seeds that are resistant to disease and suited for the local soil, farmers can sleep a little easier knowing their hard work is likely to pay off. This directly improves the lives of people in rural villages, putting more money in their pockets and food on their tables. Link Learning by Doing One of the best parts of the programme was the hands-on training. It wasn’t just a lecture; it was a practical lesson. Dr. Martina Shitri, an expert in plant breeding, showed the 46 participants exactly what to do. She walked them through the entire process of growing potatoes. This started with seed treatment—preparing the seeds so they don’t rot or get sick in the ground. She demonstrated how to sow them properly, how to manage the crop while it grows, and the best ways to harvest the potatoes without damaging them. She also taught them how to preserve seeds for the next year. This kind of knowledge transfer is crucial because it makes farmers self-reliant. Instead of depending on outside help every year, they learn how to manage their own seed stocks and soil health. Beyond Potatoes: The Taro Festival in Longleng While Kohima was focusing on potatoes, another important agricultural event was happening in Longleng. The ICAR-KVK Longleng team participated in the first-ever Taro Festival at Pongo village. Taro is another traditional crop that is deeply connected to the culture and diet of the Naga people. Held on December 6, this session was led by Dr. Hari Charan Kalita. Just like in Kohima, the goal was to bring scientific knowledge to the village level. Experts from various fields, including sericulture (silk farming) and horticulture, spoke to the villagers. They discussed how to add value to their crops—meaning turning raw taro into other products that can be sold for a higher price. It was heartening to see village elders, women, and young people all sitting together to learn about improved cultivation methods. The experts even used video clips to make the learning easier and more engaging. This shows a growing trend in Nagaland where tradition is being supported by modern science to keep agriculture alive and thriving. A Bright Future for Naga Agriculture These events in Kohima and Longleng paint a hopeful picture. They show that agricultural agencies are not sitting in ivory towers; they are out in the field, working directly with the people who need them most. By distributing 5,000 kgs of potato seeds, KVK Kohima hasn’t just provided a physical resource; they have planted the seeds of economic stability for families in Tseminyu and Kohima. And by teaching farmers about soil health, pest control, and climate resilience, they are ensuring that Nagaland’s rich agricultural heritage continues to flourish, no matter what challenges the weather brings in the future.

5,000 किलोग्राम प्रमाणित आलू के बीज नागालैंड के आलू किसानों के लिए केवीके कोहिमा द्वारा। केवीके कोहिमा ने किसानों को 5,000 किलोग्राम कुफरी ज्योति आलू के बीज वितरित किए कृषि हमेशा से नागालैंड का दिल रही है। राज्य की पहाड़ियों और घाटियों में, खेती सिर्फ एक काम नहीं है; यह एक जीवनशैली है जो परिवारों और समुदायों को sustent कराती है। इसे समझते हुए, कोहिमा में कृषि विज्ञान केंद्र (केवीके) ने हाल ही में स्थानीय किसानों की फसलें बेहतर बनाने और उनके जीवनयापन को सुरक्षित करने का एक बड़ा कदम उठाया। पिछले सप्ताह आयोजित एक महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम में, संगठन ने कोहिमा और टेसामिन्यु जिलों के किसानों को उच्च गुणवत्ता वाले आलू के बीजों की एक विशाल मात्रा वितरित की। स्थानीय किसानों के लिए एक प्रमुख सहारा 9 दिसंबर, 2025 को, केवीके कोहिमा परिसर गतिविधियों से भरा हुआ था। केंद्र ने बीज वितरण के साथ प्रशिक्षण को संयोजित करते हुए एक विशेष कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया। इस दिन का मुख्य आकर्षण 5,000 किलोग्राम प्रमाणित आलू के बीजों का वितरण था। ये कोई साधारण आलू नहीं थे; ये "कुफरी ज्योति" किस्म के थे, जो विश्वसनीयता और अच्छे उत्पादन के लिए जाने जाते हैं। ये बीज ग्रामीण अर्थव्यवस्था की रीढ़ का प्रतिनिधित्व करने वाले विभिन्न लोगों को दिए गए। लाभार्थियों में कृषक उत्पादक संगठन (FPOs), स्थानीय किसान क्लब, और स्वयं सहायता समूह (SHGs) शामिल थे। विशेष ध्यान कृषि की महिलाओं पर दिया गया, जो अक्सर खेतों में अधिकांश काम करती हैं लेकिन हमेशा पुरुषों की तरह संसाधनों तक पहुंच नहीं मिलती। इन उच्च गुणवत्ता के बीजों को सीधे उन लोगों के हाथों में देकर, जो भूमि कार्य करते हैं, केवीके कोहिमा आने वाले मौसम में बेहतर फसल की उम्मीद कर रहा है। महत्व क्यों है: विज्ञान और परंपरा का संगम यह कार्यक्रम सिर्फ एक वितरण नहीं था। इसे ICAR-भारत कृषि अनुसंधान संस्थान (IARI) द्वारा उनके उत्तर पूर्व पहाड़ी (NEH) कार्यक्रम के तहत प्रायोजित किया गया था। आयोजन में नेतृत्व ने इस बात पर जोर दिया कि बीज देना केवल आधी लड़ाई है; उन्हें बदलती दुनिया में कैसे उगाना है, यह दूसरी आधी है। डॉ. रुओकोविलिए मेज़ात्सू, केवीके कोहिमा के प्रमुख वैज्ञानिक और प्रमुख, ने किसानों से बदलते वातावरण के बारे में बात की। हर जगह किसान देख रहे हैं कि मौसम पहले जैसा अनुमानित नहीं रह गया है। बारिश देर से आती है, या बहुत अधिक बारिश होती है, या बहुत गर्मी होती है। डॉ. मेज़ात्सू ने समझाया कि पुराने तरीकों पर टिके रहना अब उतना प्रभावी नहीं हो सकता है। उन्होंने किसानों से वैज्ञानिक तरीकों को अपनाने का आग्रह किया। अपनी पारंपरिक जानकारी को आधुनिक तकनीकों के साथ मिलाकर, किसान इन मौसम परिवर्तनों से अपनी फसलों की रक्षा कर सकते हैं। आर्थिक दृष्टिकोण आलू कई घरों में एक मुख्य खाद्य पदार्थ है, ना केवल नागालैंड में बल्कि पूरे भारत में। डॉ. शिसारेनला ऐर, एक फल विशेषज्ञ, ने बताया कि यह फसल क्यों इतनी महत्वपूर्ण है। जब किसान कुफरी ज्योति जैसी बेहतर किस्में उगाते हैं, तो वे उसी भूमि के एक टुकड़े से अधिक आलू प्राप्त करते हैं। इसका मतलब है कि उनके पास खाने के लिए पर्याप्त है और बेचने के लिए भी बहुत कुछ बचता है। डॉ. ऐर ने यह भी बताया कि सुधारित किस्में उपयोग करने से फसल विफल होने का जोखिम कम हो जाता है। एक छोटे किसान के लिए, एक विफल फसल एक आपदा हो सकती है। प्रमाणित बीजों का उपयोग करके, जो रोगों के प्रति प्रतिरोधी और स्थानीय मिट्टी के लिए उपयुक्त हैं, किसान आराम से सो सकते हैं यह सोचकर कि उनकी मेहनत शायद सफल होगी। यह सीधे ग्रामीण गांवों में लोगों के जीवन को बेहतर बनाता है, उनके जेब में अधिक पैसे डालता है और उनकी मेज़ों पर खाना लाता है। करना सीखना कार्यक्रम का एक सबसे अच्छा हिस्सा व्यावहारिक प्रशिक्षण था। यह केवल एक व्याख्यान नहीं था; यह एक व्यावहारिक पाठ था। डॉ. मार्टिना शित्री, जो पौधों के प्रजनन में विशेषज्ञ हैं, ने 46 प्रतिभागियों को सिखाया कि उन्हें क्या करना है। उन्होंने उन्हें आलू उगाने की पूरी प्रक्रिया के माध्यम से चलाया। यह बीज उपचार से शुरू हुआ—बीजों को इस तरह से तैयार करना ताकि वे भूमि में सड़ न जाएं या बीमार न हों। उन्होंने दिखाया कि उन्हें सही तरीके से कैसे बोना है, फसल को कैसे प्रबंधित करना है जबकि यह बढ़ती है, और आलू को बिना नुकसान पहुंचाए कैसे काटना है। उन्होंने यह भी सिखाया कि अगले साल के लिए बीज कैसे बचाने हैं। इस प्रकार का ज्ञान हस्तांतरण महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि यह किसानों को आत्मनिर्भर बनाता है। हर साल बाहरी मदद पर निर्भर होने के बजाय, वे अपने बीज भंडार और मिट्टी की सेहत का प्रबंधन करना सीखते हैं। आलू से परे: लोंगलेन्ग में तारा महोत्सव जब कि कोहिमा आलू पर ध्यान केंद्रित कर रहा था, लोंगलेन्ग में एक और महत्वपूर्ण कृषि कार्यक्रम हो रहा था। ICAR-KVK लोंगलेन्ग टीम ने पोंगो गांव में पहले तारा महोत्सव में भाग लिया। तारा एक और पारंपरिक फसल है जो नागा लोगों की संस्कृति और भोजन से गहराई से जुड़ी हुई है। 6 दिसंबर को आयोजित इस सत्र का नेतृत्व डॉ. हारी चरण कालिता ने किया। कोहिमा की तरह, इसका लक्ष्य वैज्ञानिक ज्ञान को गांव स्तर पर लाना था। सिल्क खेती और बागवानी सहित विभिन्न क्षेत्रों के विशेषज्ञों ने ग्रामीणों से बात की। उन्होंने अपने फसलों को मूल्यवर्धन कैसे करना है—अर्थात कच्चे तारे को अन्य उत्पादों में बदल कर जो बेहतर दाम पर बेचे जा सकें, इसके बारे में चर्चा की। गांव के बुजुर्गों, महिलाओं और युवाओं को एक साथ बैठकर बेहतर कृषि विधियों के बारे में सीखते देखना प्रेरणादायक था। विशेषज्ञों ने सीखने को आसानी से और अधिक आकर्षक बनाने के लिए वीडियो क्लिप का उपयोग किया। यह नागालैंड में बढ़ती प्रवृत्ति को दर्शाता है जहां परंपरा को आधुनिक विज्ञान के माध्यम से कृषि को जीवित और फलने-फूलने के लिए समर्थन प्राप्त हो रहा है। नागा कृषि का उज्जवल भविष्य कोहिमा और लोंगलेन्ग में ये घटनाएं एक आशा भरा चित्र प्रस्तुत करती हैं। वे दिखाते हैं कि कृषि एजेंसियाँ अपने कांच के टॉवर्स में नहीं बैठी हैं; वे मैदान में हैं, ऐसे लोगों के साथ सीधे काम कर रही हैं जिन्हें उनकी सबसे अधिक जरूरत है। 5,000 किलोग्राम आलू के बीज वितरित करके, केवीके कोहिमा ने केवल एक भौतिक संसाधन नहीं प्रदान किया है; उन्होंने टीसेमिन्यु और कोहिमा के परिवारों के लिए आर्थिक स्थिरता के बीज बो दिए हैं। और किसानों को मिट्टी की सेहत, कीट नियंत्रण, और जलवायु सहनशीलता के बारे में शिक्षा देकर, वे सुनिश्चित कर रहे हैं कि नागालैंड की समृद्ध कृषि विरासत फलती-फूलती रहे, चाहे मौसम कितनी भी चुनौतियाँ क्यों न लाए।

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Why a Bumper Harvest is Spelling Trouble for Punjab’s Doaba Potato Farmers. In the heart of Punjab’s fertile Doaba region, the arrival of the potato harvesting season is usually a time of bustling activity and economic hope. However, this year, the sprawling green fields of Jalandhar and Kapurthala are clouded by a sense of deep unease. For the farmers of this “potato belt,” a combination of leftover stocks from the previous year and the prospect of an exceptionally high output this season has created a paradoxical crisis of plenty. While a bumper crop is typically celebrated, for the potato growers of Punjab, it has become a harbinger of financial distress. The market is currently grappling with a supply-demand imbalance that threatens to push farm-gate prices below the cost of production, leaving many questioning the viability of their hard work. The Glut from Yesterday The roots of the current crisis lie in the tail end of the previous agricultural cycle. Last year, Punjab witnessed a highly productive season, but the market failed to absorb the entirety of the harvest. Significant quantities of potatoes remained in cold storage, unsold and waiting for a price correction that never materialized. Link As the new harvest begins, these old stocks continue to sit in warehouses, occupying space and dampening the demand for fresh produce. This overlap is a critical factor in the current price slump. When fresh potatoes enter a market already saturated with old stock, the immediate consequence is a sharp decline in wholesale rates. For many Doaba farmers, the struggle isn’t just about selling this year’s crop; it’s about clearing the debts incurred from the one that didn’t sell last year. Prices on the Brink The early varieties of potatoes, such as Kufri Pukhraj, are already hitting the market. These 60-day crops are essential for maintaining a farmer’s cash flow. However, the current farm-gate prices are hovering around ₹6 to ₹7 per kilogram. According to local agricultural representatives, these rates barely cover the basic input costs—seeds, fertilizers, diesel, and labor. Jaswinder Sangha, a prominent voice in the Jalandhar Potato Growers Association, has pointed out that at these rates, there is zero profit margin. “We are just at par with the expenses,” he noted, reflecting a sentiment shared by thousands. Without a profit margin, farmers find it impossible to reinvest in the next cropping cycle or service the high-interest loans often taken from local commission agents or banks. A Nationwide Surplus The crisis is not confined to Punjab alone. Agriculture is a national network, and this year, several major potato-producing states—including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha—are assumed to report higher-than-average production. Link Historically, Punjab has served as the “seed hub” for the rest of the country. Doaba farmers take pride in producing high-quality seeds that are exported to the eastern and southern states. However, logistical hurdles and political events elsewhere have disrupted this vital trade link. For instance, recent elections in Bihar and labor shortages in West Bengal have slowed down the off-loading of Punjab’s seed consignments. Delays in transportation, exacerbated by unseasonal weather in some regions, have led to some supplies rotting in transit, adding physical loss to financial injury. The Double-Edged Sword of Technology Interestingly, the very innovations that have made Doaba farmers world leaders in potato production are now contributing to the oversupply. The region has seen a surge in the use of advanced agricultural technologies. Many farmers have established private tissue culture laboratories, allowing them to multiply high-yield varieties sourced from the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Kufri. Techniques like aeroponics—growing plants in an air or mist environment without soil—have also gained traction, significantly boosting the output of virus-free potato seeds. While this technological leap exemplifies the Punjab farmer’s progressive mindset, it has also led to a production capacity that currently outstrips the market’s ability to consume or export. The Weather Factor: A Fickle Friend In a typical year, farmers worry about “Late Blight,” a devastating fungal disease triggered by fog, smog, and frost. This year, the weather has been unusually clear. While the absence of blight is a relief, it also means that the survival rate of the crop is nearly 100%. As Jang Bahadur Sangha, one of the region’s largest growers, observed, if the weather remains clear for another fortnight, the region will see a massive bumper crop of varieties like Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Jyoti, and Diamond. In a stable market, this would be a windfall. In a saturated market, every extra bag of potatoes harvested further depresses the price, turning nature’s bounty into an economic burden. The Consumer-Politician Nexus vs. The Grower There is a growing sense of frustration among farmers regarding the “demand-supply ratio.” While low potato prices are a boon for urban consumers and a relief for politicians looking to keep food inflation in check, the grower is the one subsidizing this cheap food with their own losses. Farmers argue that there is a lack of a robust government intervention mechanism to stabilize prices during a glut. Unlike wheat and paddy, which benefit from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and government procurement, potatoes are largely left to the mercy of the open market. When the market fails, the farmer has no safety net. Summary The potato farmers of Doaba are among the most resilient and innovative in the world. They have turned a humble tuber into a regional powerhouse. Yet, as they stand amidst fields of plenty, they face a future of uncertainty. The sight of farm workers diligently gathering the new harvest should be one of prosperity, but without structural changes to the market and government support, it remains a cycle of struggle. For the Doaba farmer, the hope now rests on a miracle of the market—or perhaps a lesson for the policy-makers: that a bumper crop should never be a cause for worry in a country that prides itself on its agricultural heritage. Until then, the surplus stocks remain a heavy weight on the shoulders of those who feed the nation. Inputs from : The Tribune

The Story of McPatel Foods: A Partnership Forged in Europe. McPatel Foods emerged in 2023 from a shared vision among four founders aimed at revolutionizing the frozen food sector within the Indian market. The company’s vision, conceived collectively by the four directors and founders—Karan Sarodia, Aditya Patel, Kirit Haraniya, and Jignesh Patel—was explicitly defined to provide the best quality products to Indian customers while simultaneously focusing on the export market. The company established its operations specifically focusing on frozen French fries. The creation of McPatel Foods was the result of a singular, impactful trip undertaken by the four directors. They were already acquainted, coming from different industries. This pivotal moment occurred when they all attended the Anuga Europe trade fair, in late 2023, with the intention of exploring the frozen food market. It was during this exploration that the idea for McPatel Foods was conceived, leading to the birth of the company. Founders attribute the company’s existence directly to this journey, stating that if the Anuga trip had not happened, the company likely would not be where it is today. Following the trip, the founders collectively decided to establish the company and introduce their brand for processed potato products to the market. Corporate Identity and Director Insight The name “Mc Patel” itself reflects a core aspect of the company’s identity, as the founders “belong to the Patel family”. The directors, whose home state is Gujarat, leverage their local heritage and connections. Their background allows them to have a strong “connect and reach with the farmers and with everyone”. The directors are not only founders but are deeply invested in the operational side, particularly concerning raw material sourcing and farming relationships. Vision, Implementation, and Rapid Growth Despite being a young company, McPatel demonstrated rapid execution, a hallmark of their early operations. With a strong vision, the company initiated its production facility within a year of its inception, ensuring the facility was equipped with “all the best-in-class machineries”. They successfully launched both domestic and export sales within the year of starting production. The current production facility demonstrates a significant capacity even in its initial phase. The facility currently utilizes raw potatoes at a rate of 10 to 12 tons per hour. This raw material consumption translates into finished goods output of 5 tons per hour of frozen French fries. Additionally, recognizing the complementary nature of potato processing, McPatel also established a line for dehydrated potato flakes, currently running at a capacity of 500 kg per hour. Deep Commitment to Contract Farming A critical element of McPatel’s operation and philosophy is its integrated approach to raw material sourcing, centred on contract farming. Given that the founders belong to the Patel family and are closely connected to the farming community, this relationship is foundational. McPatel actively engages in contract farming with producers in Gujarat and neighbouring states. This partnership goes beyond simple purchasing; the company provides significant support to the farmers. Specifically, McPatel helps farmers grow by supplying essential raw materials, such as the specialized potato seeds needed for processing. Furthermore, the company aids them with knowledge regarding plantations and farming techniques. The commitment is cemented by a buy-back agreement, where McPatel purchases the raw potatoes produced under these contracts for use in their factories. This strategy ensures a consistent, high-quality supply of potatoes necessary for best-in-class frozen products. The company has emphasized its plan to “grow with our farmers”. Ambitious Future Expansion Plans McPatel Foods has laid out highly ambitious expansion goals slated for implementation within the coming three years. This expansion is multifaceted, targeting increased raw material handling, greater output of existing products, and diversification into new product lines. The planned expansion will dramatically increase the raw potato processing capability. The current consumption of 10 to 12 tons of raw material per hour is intended to expand substantially, reaching a future capacity of 40 to 50 tons of raw material (potatoes) per hour. In terms of finished goods, the frozen French fries line will see a major upgrade. An additional production line is planned, which will add approximately 20 tons per hour of capacity for frozen French fries. Complementing this, the dehydrated potato flake line is also set for expansion, targeting an increased capacity up to 1.2 tons per hour. Significantly, the expansion includes diversification into specialized products. The company plans to introduce a potato speciality line, which will include products such as hash browns, burger patties , aloo Tikki, and other potato speciality products. This comprehensive expansion plan, projected to be completed within two years, underlines McPatel’s commitment to capturing a larger share of the developing Indian frozen food market.

West Bengal’s Sanjoy Guha Roy Identifies Why Potato Crops Fail Every Year. In India, the potato is more than just a vegetable—it is a staple, a livelihood, and a cornerstone of food security—a silent enemy has long eluded the grasp of science. For decades, farmers in the Indo-Gangetic plains have watched in despair as their lush green fields turned into a blackened, rotting mass within days. This devastation is caused by Late Blight, a disease triggered by the notorious oomycete Phytophthora infestans. While the symptoms were well-known, the source of the recurring infection remained a subject of intense debate. A groundbreaking study led by Professor Sanjoy Guha Roy from the Department of Botany at West Bengal State University (Barasat) has finally unmasked the culprit. Published in the prestigious journal Phytopathology—the century-old flagship publication of the American Phytopathological Society—the research identifies seed potatoes as the primary reservoir for the disease. Specifically, the study reveals that even “high-tech” seed potatoes, produced under laboratory conditions, harbor hidden, dormant infections that bridge the gap between cropping seasons. The Historical Ghost and Modern Economic Toll To understand the weight of this discovery, one must look back at the 1840s. Phytophthora infestans was the primary cause of the Great Irish Potato Famine, which led to the death of over a million people and changed the course of history through mass migration. In modern India, the second-largest potato producer in the world, the pathogen remains a formidable foe. Link According to the research team, Late Blight claims approximately 15% of India’s total potato production annually. In monetary terms, this translates to a staggering loss of roughly ₹2,700 crore. In years where the disease takes an epidemic form, the losses can be even more catastrophic, pushing debt-ridden farmers to the brink of suicide. Despite the use of expensive fungicides, the disease frequently returns, leading scientists to ask: where does the pathogen hide during the blistering Indian summer when the soil temperature becomes too high for it to survive? The Myth of Soil-Borne Survival In many parts of the world, Late Blight survives in the soil through thick-walled structures called oospores. However, in the tropical and sub-tropical plains of India, the intense heat of the “off-season” (summer) was long thought to be lethal to the pathogen. Some experts theorized that the infection migrated every year from the cooler Himalayan regions or survived in alternative host plants. Professor Guha Roy’s research has effectively debunked these theories for the Indian plains. Through rigorous soil testing and experimental trials under high-temperature conditions, the team found no evidence of the pathogen surviving in the soil between seasons. Instead, they turned their attention to the seed tubers themselves. The study involved testing over 7,000 seed potatoes that appeared perfectly healthy to the naked eye. Using advanced molecular diagnostics and genetic analysis, the researchers discovered that approximately 1.6% of these “healthy” seeds were actually asymptomatic carriers. These tubers contained the pathogen in a dormant state, waiting for the cooler, humid conditions of the winter planting season to reactivate and spread to the rest of the crop. The Paradox of High-Tech Seed Production One of the most alarming findings of the study is that even modern seed production systems are not immune. Today, many farmers rely on seeds produced via tissue culture in specialized labs. These “Pre-Basic” seeds are initially pathogen-free. However, before they reach the farmer, they must be “multiplied” in the field or in greenhouses (often called net-houses or glasshouses) to produce enough volume for commercial sale. Link The researchers identified this multiplication phase as the critical point of failure. In many potato-growing regions, such as Punjab and West Bengal, these seed-multiplication nurseries are located in close proximity to commercial potato fields. During the growing season, spores from infected commercial crops can easily find their way into the supposedly “protected” greenhouses through wind or human activity. Once the seed plants are infected, the pathogen hitches a ride inside the newly formed tubers, where it remains hidden throughout the summer storage period. The European Connection: A More Aggressive Lineage The research also provided a genetic profile of the enemy. The dominant strain currently wreaking havoc in India belongs to the “European clonal lineage,” specifically the genotype known as EU_13_A2. This lineage is significantly more aggressive than the strains previously found in India. It is also notably resistant to Metalaxyl, one of the most commonly used and affordable fungicides. The presence of this lineage explains why recent outbreaks have been so swift and difficult to control. By surviving inside the seed potato, this aggressive strain ensures its survival across seasons, effectively “seeding” the next epidemic even before the farmer has finished planting. Identifying the “Stem Lesion” Clue The study sheds light on how the disease begins its visible assault. In many cases, the infection starts not on the leaves, but as small, dark lesions on the stem of the plant. These stem lesions often go unnoticed by farmers in the early stages. However, they serve as a factory for spores that quickly wash down into the soil or blow across the field, leading to the rapid-fire destruction characteristic of Late Blight. The identification of stem-focused infection pathways is crucial for improving early warning systems. If farmers can be trained to look for these early indicators on the stems of emerging plants, they may be able to take preventative action before the entire field is compromised. A Roadmap for the Future The recognition of Professor Guha Roy’s work as an “Editor’s Pick” in Phytopathology highlights its global significance. It provides a clear directive for policymakers and agricultural scientists in India and other developing nations. To break the cycle of Late Blight, the following steps are essential: Stricter Certification and Monitoring: Current seed certification processes must include molecular testing for asymptomatic infections. Relying on visual inspection alone is clearly insufficient. Strategic Relocation of Nurseries: Seed multiplication should be moved to “blight-free” zones or areas geographically isolated from commercial potato crops to prevent cross-contamination. Modern Diagnostic Kits: There is an urgent need to develop affordable, field-level diagnostic kits that can help seed producers and government agencies identify latent infections in stored tubers. Integrated Management: Since the pathogen is now known to be seed-borne, farmers should be encouraged to use certified, tested seeds and adopt “prophylactic” (preventative) fungicide applications rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Conclusion The work of the West Bengal State University research team marks a turning point in the fight against one of the world’s most devastating plant diseases. By identifying the humble seed potato as the secret hideout for Phytophthora infestans, they have provided the missing link in the epidemiological chain. As India strives to ensure food security for its growing population, protecting the potato crop is non-negotiable. This discovery not only honors the scientific excellence emerging from Bengal but also offers a beacon of hope for millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the health of their tubers. The “Silent Saboteur” has been found; the next challenge lies in making sure it has nowhere left to hide.