Punjab's pest-free potato likely to head for Europe

Potato growers in Punjab could now export potatoes to European markets as the two-year research by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has finally declared that potato production in the state is pest-free.

"The findings of our research for establishing Pest Free Areas (PFA) indicate that the potato production in Punjab is completely pest-free," PAU, Head, Department of Plant Pathology, SK Mann told PTI here.

PAU will now submit its report to the directorate of plant protection, quarantine & storage, for its approval which in turn would issue a phytosanitary certificate for the export of potato to European countries.

"European countries demand a phytosanitary certificate from exporting countries for ensuring that the potato produce is free from brown rot disease," said an official in Plant Pathology adding that this disease causes premature wilting in crops and may infect tubers.

"Western Europe and the UK import large quantities of potato to meet their requirements in the months of January to April. Since Punjab's produce is ready by January, it can tap high paying markets by exporting its produce to these countries," said an expert. The potato crop occupies an area of 71.9 thousand hectares in Punjab with annual production of 14.40 thousand tonne. Out of the total production, 20 per cent accounts for seed purpose, fifty per cent is sent to other states and rest is being used for table purposes.

With the financial assistance of Rs 58 lakh provided by the Punjab State Farmers Commission, PAU carried out research, in line with established international standards and the Shimla-based Central Potato Research Institute. The study commenced in the August 2005 crop season and was completed in April 2007.