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Industrial & Educational Visit of FASAI to ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla
25 Nov 2025
A group of B.Sc. Agriculture students from FASAI, Rama University visited the ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, from 14 to 19 November 2025, to gain practical exposure to advanced potato research and modern cultivation technologies. Dr. Aneeta Yadav, Dean, FASAI & Dr. Vinay J. Silas, Head of Dept., FASAI wished the students for their best. During the visit, Principal Scientist Dr. Alok Kumar conducted an extensive orientation session in which he explained scientific techniques of potato cultivation, including hydroponics and aeroponics, highlighting how these soil-less and controlled-environment methods help in producing healthy, disease-free seed tubers and improving productivity. He also discussed various aspects of potato disease management, improved varieties, seed production methods, and the importance of maintaining genetic purity. Along with classroom sessions, the students were taken to field experiments, research trials, and demonstration units where they observed the functioning of hydroponic and aeroponic systems, variety evaluation plots, and seed production facilities. The students were also addressed by Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR–CPRI, who delivered an insightful video lecture on the institute’s role in national potato improvement programmes, major research achievements, and the challenges and opportunities in potato cultivation under changing climatic conditions. His talk encouraged students to think innovatively and understand the significance of scientific research in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. Throughout the six-day programme, Dr. Raghvendra Singh and Dr. Ashish Srivastava accompanied the students and provided continuous guidance, helping them interact with scientists, understand laboratory procedures, and relate theoretical concepts to real-life research practices. During their visit, the students explored various laboratories, including tissue culture and biotechnology labs, where they learned about micropropagation techniques for producing disease-free plantlets. They also visited cold storage units, post-harvest technology sections, and experimental fields where they observed different agronomic practices, physiological studies, and breeder seed production processes. The visit provided them with comprehensive exposure to the entire chain of potato research—from varietal development and disease management to advanced cultivation systems and post-harvest handling. The exposure to research laboratories, experimental fields, and expert interactions enriched their practical understanding and inspired scientific learning. Overall, the educational tour proved to be highly informative and enriching, significantly broadening the students’ understanding of scientific potato cultivation and inspiring them to consider future research opportunities in the field of agricultural science.
