Shaktiman-Grimme to Host “Potato Field Day 2026” in Ludhiana. The potato landscape of Punjab is on the cusp of a mechanical revolution. On January 28, 2026, the fields of B J Farms in Saraba Village, Ludhiana, will transform into a live classroom for the next generation of potato farming. Shaktiman-Grimme, in collaboration with New Holland, has announced its much-anticipated Potato Field Day 2026, an event dedicated to showcasing high-tech, customized solutions for potato farming. For the potato growers of not only in Punjab but across the country, this event represents more than just a machinery display; it is a roadmap to “Making Potato Farming More Economical“—the core mission that drives this Indo-German partnership. A Synergy of Global Excellence and Local Expertise The Potato Field Day 2026 is the result of a strategic joint venture between two industry giants: Shaktiman (Tirth Agro Technology Pvt. Ltd.), India’s leading manufacturer of agricultural implements, and Grimme, the German world leader in potato and root crop technology. Link Formed in 2019, this 50:50 joint venture has focused on bridging the gap in farm mechanization for root crops in India. By combining German precision engineering with Shaktiman’s deep understanding of Indian soil conditions, the partnership has produced machines that are not only efficient but also affordable for the Indian potato farmer. Live Demonstrations: The Heart of the Field Day The highlight of the event at B J Farms will be the live field demonstrations. Unlike a static showroom, the Potato Field Day allows farmers to witness machines performing in real-time soil conditions. 1. Precision Planting with the SGPP-205 Traditional potato planting is labor-intensive and often leads to uneven spacing, which affects yield quality. The Shaktiman-Grimme Potato Planter (SGPP-205) will be a star attraction. It features: Uniform Depth & Distance: Mechanical or electronic vibrators ensure no “doubles” or “misses” during planting. Adjustable Row Width: Tailored for Indian farm sizes, ranging from 66 cm to 90 cm. Yield Boost: Precision planting can increase crop yields by 10-12% while saving up to two bags of seed per acre. 2. High-Performance Harvesting with the SGPH-200 Harvesting is the most critical and expensive phase of the potato cycle. The SGPH-200 Potato Harvester is designed to replace hundreds of manual laborers with a single operator. Crop Protection: Gentle transport systems ensure that the potatoes are lifted without bruising or skinning. Dual-Row Efficiency: Capable of harvesting two rows simultaneously, even in difficult soil conditions. Steerable Wheels: With a turning radius of just 5.2 meters, it is perfectly adapted for the smaller field sizes typical of Punjab and India. 3. Soil Preparation and Vine Management Attendees will also see the Deep Hiller (SGDH-200) in action, which creates the ideal clod-free seedbed essential for root growth. Additionally, the Plant Topper will demonstrate how to efficiently cut potato vines (haulms) before harvesting to ensure the potato skin hardens, improving the crop’s shelf life. Link Why 2026 Should Be the Year of Potato Farming Mechanization The timing of this Field Day is crucial. Farmers in Punjab and India are currently facing a “triple threat”: rising labor costs, a shrinking window of time due to climate unpredictability, and the need for higher quality “processing-grade” potatoes for the snack food industry. Mechanization solves these challenges by: Reducing Labor Dependency: Automating the planting and harvesting process removes the volatility of labor availability. Precision Farming: Modern machines ensure that fertilizers and seeds are used optimally, reducing waste and lowering the cost of production. Market Competitiveness: Potatoes harvested mechanically are cleaner and more uniform, making them more attractive to exporters and processing units (like chips and French fry manufacturers). Collaborative Strength: Shaktiman & New Holland The presence of New Holland at the event exemplifies the importance of tractor-implement compatibility. Most of the Shaktiman-Grimme range is designed to work seamlessly with tractors in the 50 HP to 75 HP range. By showcasing these machines alongside New Holland’s robust tractor lineup, farmers can see a “complete package” solution for their farm. Event Details & Invitation Shaktiman-Grimme cordially invites all progressive farmers, agricultural researchers, and industry stakeholders to join this landmark event. Detail Information Event Name Potato Field Day 2026 Date 28 January 2026 Time 09:00 AM Onwards Venue B J Farms, Saraba Village, Dist. Ludhiana, Punjab Contact Numbers 7041793070, 9033012392, 9033012390   What to Expect: Expert Consultations: Interact with German and Indian engineers to discuss your specific potato farming requirements. Machine Walkthroughs: Get a close-up look at the internal mechanisms of the harvesters and planters. Networking: Connect with other progressive farmers in the Punjab potato belt. The Potato Field Day 2026 is not just about selling machines; it is about sharing a vision. As India continues to be the world’s second-largest potato producer, the shift toward “Root Crop Solutions” provided by Shaktiman-Grimme is essential for global competitiveness. Whether you are a small-scale farmer looking to reduce costs or a large-scale grower aiming for export quality, the event at B J Farms promises to provide the tools you need to thrive in the modern potato farming era.

शक्तिमान-ग्रीम ने लुधियाना में “आलू क्षेत्र दिवस 2026” की मेज़बानी की घोषणा की है। पंजाब का आलू क्षेत्र एक तकनीकी क्रांति की कगार पर है। 28 जनवरी 2026 को, लुधियाना के सराबा गांव में बी जे फार्म्स के खेत अगली पीढ़ी के आलू farming के लिए एक लाइव कक्ष में बदल जाएंगे। शक्तिमान-ग्रीम, न्यू हॉलैंड के सहयोग से, अपने अपेक्षित आलू क्षेत्र दिवस 2026 की घोषणा की है, जो आलू farming के लिए उच्च-तकनीक, कस्टमाइज्ड समाधानों को प्रदर्शित करने के लिए समर्पित एक कार्यक्रम है। पंजाब के आलू उत्पादकों के लिए नहीं, बल्कि पूरे देश के लिए, यह कार्यक्रम केवल मशीनरी प्रदर्शन से अधिक का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है; यह “आलू farming को अधिक आर्थिक बनाना” के लिए एक रोडमैप है—यह Indo-German साझेदारी का मुख्य उद्देश्य। वैश्विक उत्कृष्टता और स्थानीय विशेषज्ञता का समन्वय आलू क्षेत्र दिवस 2026 दो उद्योग दिग्गजों के बीच एक रणनीतिक संयुक्त उद्यम का परिणाम है: शक्तिमान (तीर्थ एग्रो टेक्नोलॉजी प्रा. लि.), भारत का प्रमुख कृषि उपकरण निर्माता, और ग्रिम्मे, आलू और जड़ फसल प्रौद्योगिकी में जर्मनी का विश्व नेता। 2019 में स्थापित, यह 50:50 संयुक्त उद्यम भारत में जड़ फसलों के लिए कृषि यांत्रिकी में अंतर को पाटने पर केंद्रित है। जर्मन प्रिसिजन इंजीनियरिंग को शक्तिमान की भारतीय मिट्टी की स्थितियों की गहरी समझ के साथ मिलाकर, इस साझेदारी ने ऐसी मशीनें बनाई हैं जो न केवल प्रभावी हैं बल्कि भारतीय आलू किसानों के लिए किफायती भी हैं। लाइव डेमोंस्ट्रेशन: क्षेत्र दिवस का दिल बी जे फार्म्स में कार्यक्रम की मुख्य विशेषता लाइव फील्ड डेमोंस्ट्रेशन होगी। स्थिर शो रूम के विपरीत, आलू क्षेत्र दिवस किसानों को वास्तविक समय में मिट्टी की स्थितियों में मशीनों को प्रदर्शन करते हुए देखने की अनुमति देता है। 1. एसजीपीपी-205 के साथ प्रिसिजन प्लांटिंग पारंपरिक आलू रोपण श्रम-गहन है और अक्सर असमान दूरी को जन्म देता है, जो उपज की गुणवत्ता को प्रभावित करता है। शक्तिमान-ग्रीम आलू प्लांट (एसजीपीपी-205) आकर्षण का केंद्र होगा। इसमें शामिल हैं: समान गहराई और दूरी: यांत्रिक या इलेक्ट्रॉनिक वाइब्रेटर यह सुनिश्चित करते हैं कि रोपण के दौरान कोई "डबल" या "गुम" न हो। समायोज्य पंक्ति चौड़ाई: भारतीय कृषि आकारों के अनुरूप, जो 66 सेमी से 90 सेमी तक है। उपज वृद्धि: प्रिसिजन प्लांटिंग फसल की उपज को 10-12% बढ़ा सकती है जबकि प्रति एकड़ दो बैग बीज की बचत भी कर सकती है। 2. एसजीपीएच-200 के साथ उच्च-प्रदर्शन कटाई कटाई आलू चक्र का सबसे महत्वपूर्ण और महंगा चरण है। एसजीपीएच-200 आलू हार्वेस्टर को सैकड़ों मैन्युअल श्रमिकों के स्थान पर एकल ऑपरेटर के साथ काम करने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया है। फसल सुरक्षा: नाज़ुक परिवहन प्रणालियाँ यह सुनिश्चित करती हैं कि आलू को बिना चोट पहुँचाए या छिलके के उठाया जाए। डुअल-रो क्षमता: कठिन मिट्टी की स्थितियों में भी simultaneosly दो पंक्तियों की कटाई कर सकता है। गाड़ी की हिम्मत: केवल 5.2 मीटर का मोड़ने की त्रिज्या के साथ, यह पंजाब और भारत के छोटे खेतों के आकार के लिए पूरी तरह से अनुकूलित है। 3. मिट्टी तैयारी और बेल प्रबंधन अतिथि भी डीप हिलर (एसजीडीएच-200) को क्रियान्वित होते हुए देखेंगे, जो जड़ वृद्धि के लिए आवश्यक आदर्श बिना कलेश वाला बीज बेड बनाता है। इसके अतिरिक्त, प्लांट topper यह प्रदर्शित करेगा कि कटाई से पहले आलू की बेल (हॉल्म्स) को कुशलता से काटना कैसे सुनिश्चित करना है ताकि आलू की त्वचा कड़ी हो जाए, जिससे फसल की शेल्फ जीवन में सुधार होता है। 2026 आलू फसल यांत्रिकी का वर्ष क्यों होना चाहिए इस क्षेत्र दिवस का समय महत्वपूर्ण है। पंजाब और भारत के किसान वर्तमान में “तीनहरी खतरा” का सामना कर रहे हैं: बढ़ती श्रम लागत, जलवायु की अनिश्चितता के कारण घटता समय, और स्नैक्स उद्योग के लिए उच्च गुणवत्ता वाले “प्रोसेसिंग-ग्रेड” आलू की आवश्यकता। यांत्रिकी इन चुनौतियों का समाधान करती है: श्रम पर निर्भरता में कमी: रोपण और कटाई की प्रक्रिया को स्वचालित करके श्रम उपलब्धता की परिवर्तनशीलता को समाप्त किया जा सकता है। प्रिसिजन farming: आधुनिक मशीनें यह सुनिश्चित करती हैं कि उर्वरक और बीज का उपयोग अनुकूल तरीके से किया जाए, जिससे अपव्यय कम होता है और उत्पादन लागत कम होती है। बाजार प्रतिस्पर्धिता: यांत्रिक रूप से कटे हुए आलू साफ़ और समान होते हैं, जिससे वे निर्यातकों और प्रसंस्करण इकाइयों (जैसे चिप्स और फ्रेंच फ्राई निर्माताओं) के लिए अधिक आकर्षक बनते हैं। संयुक्त शक्ति: शक्तिमान और न्यू हॉलैंड कार्यक्रम में न्यू हॉलैंड की उपस्थिति ट्रैक्टर-उपकरण संगतता के महत्व को दर्शाती है। शक्तिमान-ग्रीम रेंज का अधिकांश हिस्सा 50 HP से 75 HP रेंज के ट्रैक्टरों के साथ निर्बाध रूप से काम करने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया है। न्यू हॉलैंड की मजबूत ट्रैक्टर रेंज के साथ इन मशीनों को प्रदर्शित करके, किसान अपने खेत के लिए एक "पूर्ण पैकेज" समाधान देख सकते हैं। कार्यक्रम विवरण और निमंत्रण शक्तिमान-ग्रीम सभी प्रगतिशील किसानों, कृषि शोधकर्ताओं, और उद्योग के हितधारकों को इस ऐतिहासिक कार्यक्रम में शामिल होने के लिए हृदय से आमंत्रित करता है। कार्यक्रम का नाम आलू क्षेत्र दिवस 2026 तारीख 28 जनवरी 2026 समय सुबह 09:00 बजे से स्थान बी जे फार्म्स, सराबा गांव, जिला लुधियाना, पंजाब संपर्क नंबर 7041793070, 9033012392, 9033012390 आपकी अपेक्षाएँ: विशेषज्ञ परामर्श: अपने विशेष आलू farming आवश्यकताओं पर चर्चा करने के लिए जर्मन और भारतीय इंजीनियरों के साथ बातचीत करें। मशीन वॉकथ्रू: हार्वेस्टर और प्लांटर्स के आंतरिक तंत्रों पर करीबी mirada प्राप्त करें। नेटवर्किंग: पंजाब आलू बेल्ट में अन्य प्रगतिशील किसानों के साथ जुड़ें। आलू क्षेत्र दिवस 2026 केवल मशीनों को बेचने के लिए नहीं है; यह एक दृष्टि साझा करने के बारे में है। जैसे-जैसे भारत दुनिया का दूसरा सबसे बड़ा आलू उत्पादक बना हुआ है, शक्तिमान-ग्रीम द्वारा प्रदान की गई "जड़ फसल समाधानों" की ओर परिवर्तन वैश्विक प्रतिस्पर्धिता के लिए अनिवार्य है। चाहे आप लागत कम करने के लिए एक छोटे पैमाने के किसान हों या निर्यात गुणवत्ता के लिए बड़े पैमाने पर खेती करने वाले किसान हों, बी जे फार्म्स में कार्यक्रम आपको आधुनिक आलू farming युग में सफल होने के लिए आवश्यक उपकरण प्रदान करने का वादा करता है।

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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.