Agreement for trialling and testing of 16 new varieties and 600 clones to benefit millions of farmers in UP, MP, Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Bihar etc.
ITC Limited announced that Technico Agri Sciences Limited (TASL), its 100 percent subsidiary, has entered into an agreement with the James Hutton Institute, a premier global research and innovation organisation based in Scotland, UK, to source 16 new varieties and 600 new clones of potato for trialling and testing in India. These differentiated varieties promise to further benefit India's farmers and the Potato Processing industry as well as help in promoting potato exports. The agreement is initially for a period of five years and is extendable. These varieties will grow through a process of R&D and evaluation to identify varieties suitable for growing in India in different states. They will help address the demand of processors and exporters for new varieties and are expected to further improve yields by 15% to 20% and enhance farmer incomes by better realisation. Exports and processing help improve farmgate prices and manage crop surpluses.
Speaking on the agreement, Mr. Sachid Madan, Chief Executive of Technico Agri Sciences said, "Technico, ITC's subsidiary, has been engaging extensively with farmers and processors across different geographies to help improve farm yield in potatoes significantly. The improvement in yields along with better prices for such varieties has contributed to the doubling of farmer incomes in states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and others and has also facilitated exports and processing.This landmark agreement is yet another substantive step in maximising returns for farmers, particularly for the potato crop farmers."
Dr Jonathan Snape, Head of James Hutton Limited, the commercial subsidiary of the James Hutton Institute, stated: "Our mission is to be at the forefront of innovative and transformative science for sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources that supports thriving communities. Since potato farming provides livelihood to a significant section of India's agricultural community, we are hopeful that our tie-up with Technico will help these communities effectively."
Andrew Ayre, British Deputy High Commissioner, Chandigarh was also present at the occasion. Mr Andrew Ayre said, "Agri-tech is a key area of bilateral co-operation, and a core UK strength. I am delighted that this partnership will improve farmer incomes and bring more choice to consumers"
About Technico
Technico Agri Sciences Limited (a 100% subsidiary of ITC Ltd.) is an Agri-Biotech Company involved in the business of producing and selling 'Early Generation' high vigour seed potato utilising the award winning TECHNITUBER® Seed Technology. TASL is India's largest seed potato producer meeting the diverse requirements for special quality potatoes for making high quality Potato Chips, French Fries as well as home use and exports. It is estimated that more than 50% of the potatoes used for processing originate from Technico.
About the James Hutton Institute
The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading scientific organisation encompassing a distinctive range of integrated strengths in land, crop, waters, environmental and socio-economic science. It undertakes research for customers including the Scottish and UK Governments, the EU and other organisations worldwide. The Institute has a staff of nearly 500 and 150 PhD students, and takes its name from the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment scientist, James Hutton, who is widely regarded as the founder of modern geology and who was also an experimental farmer and agronomist. www.hutton.ac.uk