Viktor Kovalev’s Invitation For Agrotech Potato Horti Expo, Moscow, Russia, 21-23 Jan 2026. For details and participation write a mail to info@indpotato.com The global agricultural landscape is shifting, and at the heart of this transformation is the humble potato. As the world’s fourth most important food crop, the potato industry is undergoing a technological and logistical revolution. Leading this charge in Eastern Europe is Viktor Kovalev, the founder of Potatoes.news and the visionary behind the International Potato Tour. Recently, Kovalev extended a prestigious invitation to the global potato community, calling on farmers, scientists, and industry giants to converge at the Agrotech Potato Horti Expo—the most significant event of its kind in the region. A Bridge Between Traditions and Technology Viktor Kovalev has long been a champion of “potato diplomacy,” a concept that emphasizes the power of knowledge exchange to transcend borders. His invitation is more than just a call to attend a trade show; it is an invitation to witness the future of food security. Eastern Europe, with its vast fertile lands and growing processing infrastructure, has become a critical hub for the industry. The upcoming event, centered in Moscow, serves as a strategic bridge. It connects the deep-rooted agricultural traditions of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) with the high-tech innovations emerging from Western Europe, India, and China. Kovalev’s mission is to ensure that farmers—from small-scale growers in Central Asia to industrial giants in Russia—have access to the tools that will define the next decade of farming. What to Expect: Precision, Processing, and Partnerships The Agrotech Potato Horti Expo is designed to be a comprehensive ecosystem for the industry. Kovalev highlights several key pillars that will define the event: Technological Sovereignty and Innovation: The expo will showcase the latest in precision agriculture. This includes drone monitoring, automated harvesting machinery adapted for local soil conditions, and digital tools that help agronomists make real-time decisions in the field. The Processing Boom: As consumer demand for value-added products like French fries and potato flakes rises, the event focuses heavily on processing technology. Kovalev emphasizes that localizing these facilities is the key to economic stability for regional farmers. Seed Breeding and Genetics: With climate change presenting new challenges, the introduction of climate-resilient and high-yield varieties is a top priority. The event will feature breakthroughs in breeding from international laboratories and local institutes. The Power of Networking Beyond the machinery and the science, Kovalev’s invitation underscores the importance of the “people behind the potato.” The event is expected to host over 20,000 professionals and 800+ exhibitors. It provides a rare platform for seed breeders to meet investors, and for equipment manufacturers to hear directly from the farmers who use their tools. Kovalev’s own project, the International Potato Tour, has become a “video encyclopedia” of the industry, and his presence at the expo ensures a high level of media visibility. His goal is to turn individual success stories into a collective movement that strengthens the entire supply chain. A Vision for 2026 and Beyond The invitation to this event also serves as a kickoff for the International Potato Tour’s 2026 season. By bringing the global community together in Eastern Europe, Kovalev is setting the stage for new routes that will span across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and even into Africa. For professionals in the potato industry, Viktor Kovalev’s message is clear: the future of agriculture is collaborative. Whether you are an agronomist looking for better fertilizers or a tech CEO seeking a new market, the Agrotech Potato Horti Expo is the place to be. As Kovalev often says, the industry moves forward when we share our stories, our challenges, and our innovations. In the heart of Eastern Europe, the global potato community is ready to plant the seeds for a more productive and sustainable tomorrow.

विक्टर कोवालेव की आमंत्रण पत्रिका: एग्रोटेक आलू हॉर्टी एक्सपो, मास्को, रूस, 21-23 जनवरी 2026। विवरण और भागीदारी के लिए मेल लिखें: info@indpotato.com वैश्विक कृषि परिदृश्य बदल रहा है, और इस परिवर्तन के केंद्र में है साधारण आलू। दुनिया की चौथी सबसे महत्वपूर्ण खाद्य फसल के रूप में, आलू उद्योग एक तकनीकी और लॉजिस्टिकल क्रांति के दौर से गुजर रहा है। पूर्वी यूरोप में इस परिवर्तन का नेतृत्व करने वाले हैं विक्टर कोवालेव, जो Potatoes.news के संस्थापक और अंतरराष्ट्रीय आलू दौरे के दृष्टा हैं। हाल ही में, कोवालेव ने वैश्विक आलू समुदाय को एक प्रतिष्ठित आमंत्रण दिया, जिसमें किसानों, वैज्ञानिकों और उद्योग के दिग्गजों को एग्रोटेक आलू हॉर्टी एक्सपो में converging होने के लिए कहा—यह क्षेत्र का सबसे महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम है। परंपराओं और तकनीक के बीच एक पुल विक्टर कोवालेव लंबे समय से "आलू कूटनीति" के चैंपियन रहे हैं, जो ज्ञान के आदान-प्रदान की शक्ति को सीमाओं को पार करने पर जोर देती है। उनका आमंत्रण केवल एक व्यापार प्रदर्शन में भाग लेने का आग्रह नहीं है; यह खाद्य सुरक्षा के भविष्य को देखने का आमंत्रण है। पूर्वी यूरोप, अपनी विशाल उपजाऊ भूमि और बढ़ती प्रसंस्करण अवसंरचना के साथ, उद्योग के लिए एक महत्वपूर्ण केंद्र बन गया है। आगामी कार्यक्रम, जो मास्को में केंद्रित है, एक रणनीतिक पुल के रूप में कार्य करेगा। यह सीआईएस (स्वतंत्र राज्यों का संघ) की गहरी जड़ वाली कृषि परंपराओं को पश्चिमी यूरोप, भारत और चीन से उभरती उच्च तकनीकी नवाचारों से जोड़ता है। कोवालेव का मिशन यह सुनिश्चित करना है कि किसान—केंद्रीय एशिया के छोटे उत्पादकों से लेकर रूस के औद्योगिक दिग्गजों तक—वे उपकरण प्राप्त कर सकें जो अगले दशक की खेती को परिभाषित करेंगे। आप उम्मीद कर सकते हैं: प्रिसिजन, प्रसंस्करण, और साझेदारियां एग्रोटेक आलू हॉर्टी एक्सपो को उद्योग के लिए एक व्यापक पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र के रूप में डिज़ाइन किया गया है। कोवालेव कुछ प्रमुख स्तंभों को उजागर करते हैं जो कार्यक्रम को परिभाषित करेंगे: तकनीकी प्रभुत्व और नवाचार: एक्सपो में प्रिसिजन कृषि में नवीनतम प्रौद्योगिकी प्रदर्शित की जाएगी। इसमें ड्रोन निगरानी, स्थानीय मिट्टी की स्थितियों के लिए अनुकूलित स्वचालित कटाई मशीन, और डिजिटल उपकरण शामिल हैं जो कृषि विज्ञानियों को खेत में वास्तविक-समय निर्णय लेने में मदद करते हैं। प्रसंस्करण का उबाल: जैसे-जैसे उपभोक्ता की मांग उच्च मूल्य वाले उत्पादों जैसे फ्रेंच फ्राई और आलू के फ्लेक्स के लिए बढ़ती है, यह कार्यक्रम प्रसंस्करण प्रौद्योगिकी पर भारी ध्यान केंद्रित करता है। कोवालेव परिशुद्ध करते हैं कि इन सुविधाओं को क्षेत्रीय किसानों के लिए आर्थिक स्थिरता का मुख्य साधन बनाना है। बीज प्रजनन और आनुवंशिकी: जलवायु परिवर्तन द्वारा पेश की गई नई चुनौतियों के साथ, जलवायु-प्रतिरोधी और उच्च उपज वाली किस्मों का परिचय एक शीर्ष प्राथमिकता है। कार्यक्रम में अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रयोगशालाओं और स्थानीय संस्थानों से प्रजनन में नवाचारों को प्रदर्शित किया जाएगा। नेटवर्किंग की शक्ति मशीनरी और विज्ञान के अलावा, कोवालेव का आमंत्रण "आलू के पीछे के लोगों" के महत्व को रेखांकित करता है। कार्यक्रम में 20,000 से अधिक पेशेवरों और 800+ प्रदर्शकों के शामिल होने की उम्मीद है। यह बीज प्रजनकों को निवेशकों से मिलने और उपकरण निर्माताओं को उन किसानों से सीधे सुनने का एक दुर्लभ मंच प्रदान करता है जो उनके उपकरणों का उपयोग करते हैं। कोवालेव का अपना प्रोजेक्ट, अंतरराष्ट्रीय आलू दौरा, उद्योग की "वीडियो एनसाइक्लोपीडिया" बन गया है, और उनके एक्सपो में उपस्थिति मीडिया की दृश्यता को सुनिश्चित करती है। उनका लक्ष्य व्यक्तिगत सफलता की कहानियों को एक सामूहिक आंदोलन में बदलना है जो पूरी सप्लाई चेन को मजबूत करता है। 2026 और उसके आगे का एक दृष्टिकोण इस कार्यक्रम के लिए आमंत्रण अंतरराष्ट्रीय आलू दौरे के 2026 सत्र की शुरुआत के रूप में भी कार्य करता है। पूर्वी यूरोप में वैश्विक समुदाय को एकत्र करके, कोवालेव उन नए मार्गों का मंच तैयार कर रहे हैं जो कजाख्स्तान, उज़्बेकिस्तान और यहां तक कि अफ्रीका तक फैलेंगे। आलू उद्योग में पेशेवरों के लिए, विक्टर कोवालेव का संदेश स्पष्ट है: कृषि का भविष्य सहयोगात्मक है। चाहे आप बेहतर उर्वरकों की तलाश में एक कृषि वैज्ञानिक हों या एक नई बाजार की तलाश में एक तकनीकी सीईओ, एग्रोटेक आलू हॉर्टी एक्सपो वह स्थान है जहां होना चाहिए। जैसा कि कोवालेव अक्सर कहते हैं, उद्योग तब आगे बढ़ता है जब हम अपनी कहानियों, अपनी चुनौतियों और अपनी नवाचारों को साझा करते हैं। पूर्वी यूरोप के दिल में, वैश्विक आलू समुदाय एक अधिक उत्पादक और टिकाऊ कल के लिए बीज बोने के लिए तैयार है।

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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

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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.

मैकपटेल फूड्स की कहानी: यूरोप में एक साझेदारी का निर्माण मैकपटेल फूड्स 2023 में चार संस्थापकों के बीच साझा दृष्टिकोण से उभरा, जिसका उद्देश्य भारतीय बाजार में जमी हुई खाद्य पदार्थों के क्षेत्र में क्रांति लाना था। कंपनी का दृष्टिकोण, जिसे चार निदेशकों और संस्थापकों — करण सारोड़िया, आदित्य पटेल, कीरत हरनिया, और जिनेश पटेल — द्वारा सामूहिक रूप से विकसित किया गया था, को स्पष्ट रूप से परिभाषित किया गया था ताकि भारतीय ग्राहकों को सर्वोत्तम गुणवत्ता वाले उत्पाद प्रदान किए जा सकें, साथ ही निर्यात बाजार पर भी ध्यान केंद्रित किया जा सके। कंपनी ने विशेष रूप से जमी हुई आलू फ्राइज़ पर ध्यान केंद्रित करते हुए अपने संचालन की स्थापना की। मैकपटेल फूड्स का निर्माण चार निदेशकों द्वारा किए गए एक विशेष, प्रभावशाली यात्रा का परिणाम था। वे पहले से ही अलग-अलग उद्योगों से परिचित थे। यह महत्वपूर्ण क्षण तब हुआ जब वे सभी 2023 के अंत में अनुगा यूरोप व्यापार मेले में भाग लेने गए, जिसका उद्देश्य जमी हुई खाद्य पदार्थों के बाजार का अन्वेषण करना था। इसी अन्वेषण के दौरान मैकपटेल फूड्स का विचार उत्पन्न हुआ, जिससे कंपनी क...
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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.

पश्चिम बंगाल के संजय गुहा रॉय ने पहचान की है कि हर साल आलू की फसलें क्यों असफल होती हैं। भारत में, आलू केवल एक सब्जी नहीं है—यह एक मुख्य खाद्य पदार्थ, जीवन यापन का साधन और खाद्य सुरक्षा का आधार है—एक मौन दुश्मन लंबे समय से विज्ञान की पकड़ से बाहर रहा है। दशकों से, इंडो-गंगेय मैदानों में किसान निराशा से देखते आ रहे हैं जब उनकी हरी-भरी फसलें कुछ ही दिनों में काले, सड़ते ढेर में बदल जाती हैं। यह विनाश लेट ब्लाइट द्वारा होता है, जो कुख्यात ओमीसाइट फाइटोफ्थोरा इंफेस्टन्स द्वारा उत्प्रेरित बीमारी है। जबकि लक्षण अच्छे से ज्ञात थे, पुनरावर्ती संक्रमण का स्रोत गहन बहस का विषय बना रहा। पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य विश्वविद्यालय (बराकपुर) के वनस्पति विज्ञान विभाग के प्रोफेसर संजय गुहा रॉय द्वारा किए गए एक क्रांतिकारी अध्ययन ने अंततः दोषी को बेनकाब कर दिया है। प्रतिष्ठित जर्नल फाइटोपैथोलॉजी में प्रकाशित—अमेरिकन फाइटोपैथोलॉजिकल सोसाइटी का शताब्दी पुराना प्रमुख प्रकाशन—यह शोध बीमारियों के प्राथमिक भंडार के रूप में आलू के बीजों की पहचान करता है। विशेष रूप से, अध्ययन में यह खुलासा किया गया है कि यहां तक कि “उच्...
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