FOCUS-Nagaland discusses a project to develop a low-cost potato seed production system | MorungExpress

Officials from FOCUS-Nagaland and CIP (International Potato Center) held a meeting at CIP office, PUSA, New Delhi on 9th October. (Photo DIPR)

Dimapur, October 9 (MExN): The heads of FOCUS-Nagaland (Foster Climate Resilient Farming Systems in the North East –Nagaland) and CIP (International Potato Centre) held a meeting at CIP office, PUSA, New Delhi on 9th October.

The meeting was held to discuss a project proposal to develop a low-cost potato seed production system to improve the livelihoods and food security of resource-poor farmers in Nagaland as a sub -project of the FOCUS project, said a DIPR report.

“The CIP team is expected to travel to the state very soon for further discussions and site visits. The signing of the MoU with the Government of Nagaland is expected before the end of the year after approval by IFAD,” he said.

During the meeting, APC and MD of FOCUS-Nagaland, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS stated that the traditional method of farming is not only economically viable but also environmentally unsustainable, hence the government of State focuses on the development of sustainable agriculture as a business enterprise.

He said that unlike the continent, the Northeastern United States, and Nagaland in particular, have varied agro-climatic conditions with the advantage of producing potatoes during all three seasons of the year, which which will benefit the farming community by increasing production.

CIP Regional Director (Asia), Dr. Somarendu Mohanty, pointed out that the main objective of the project is to establish a seed potato production system in the state to provide farmers with high quality seeds at an affordable price in a timely manner.

He revealed that the combination of lower seed costs and higher yields will make potato farming more profitable for small and marginal farmers in the state and increase potato acreage and production.

This will be achieved through the introduction and scaling up of decentralized low-cost seed production technologies such as rooted apical cuttings. He mentioned that although the project is expected to be funded through the FOCUS project, CIP will serve as a technical partner.