News on Potato Varieties and Seed from Asia

Uttar Pradesh, India’s top potato producer, has launched aeroponic seed centres in Kushinagar and Hapur. The soil-less system cuts contamination, reduces costs, and provides quality, disease-free seeds to sustain the state’s 240 LMT potato yield.

Punjab Soil & Water Conservation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal urged adoption of micro irrigation in potato farming to save groundwater and boost yields. Punjab offers up to 90% subsidy, launched e-approval portal, and is expanding canal irrigation.

Former judoka Harvinder Singh from Kurukshetra turned innovator, revolutionising seed potato farming through his firm Noor Agro Farm. His disease-free, high-yield seeds are in demand nationwide, empowering farmers and creating local employment.

China grows 25% of the world’s potatoes, but 60% of its crop is in arid northwest regions where shallow roots and short growing seasons make them drought-sensitive. Researchers test drought-tolerant varieties and biochemicals to ease soil stress.

Global Potato Summit 2025, on Dec 11–13 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, will unite global experts to boost potato innovation. With 150+ exhibitors, 7,000 visitors, and live farm demos, it’s set to shape the future of the potato industry.

Agriculture Ministry approves 4 new ICAR-CPRI potato varieties—Kufri Ratan, Kufri Tejas, Kufri Chipbharat-1 & 2—for nationwide cultivation, boosting yields, processing quality & farmer returns, strengthening India’s potato sector.

Both Sichuan’s potato production area and total yield remain among the largest in China. The province’s unique geographic features support year-round planting and supply, delivering strong economic and social benefits.

Iksan Sweet Potato Mozzarella Burger and Muffin, a collaboration between Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do and McDonald's Korea, surpassed 2.4 million in a month after its launch, setting a new record every day.

CPRI launched Kufri Chipbharat-1, a new potato variety for processing, marking a significant advancement in India's agricultural sector. The release, attended by key officials, supports India's position as the second-largest global potato producer.

PoLoPo, a B2B deeptech firm, is shifting focus to the snack industry. It's patented potato offers up to three more protein than regular tubers, enabling high-protein chips with great taste and texture for brands and food manufacturers.

KRIBHCO and Farm Frites signed a JV to set up a hi-tech potato processing unit in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The project will boost premium potato farming, generate jobs, and enhance farmer incomes, marking KRIBHCO’s entry into agri-processing.

UniAgri Biosciences has launched its advanced Tissue Culture Lab to produce disease-free, high-yielding potato seeds. This milestone supports farmers and food security. Thanks to Punjab's Department of Horticulture for their valuable support.

HyFun Foods celebrates World French Fries Day by spotlighting Indian farmers and its global potato exports, showcasing innovation, sustainability, and farmer-first growth from Gujarat to 40+ countries.

Europatat reports rising Turkish rejections of EU seed potato exports due to testing and classification differences. It urges closer cooperation with Turkish authorities to align inspections with global standards and reduce future trade issues.

Bashir Jalal, a farmer from Duhok’s Sheikhan district, has been named Iraq’s top grower of the River potato variety by Agrico, thanks to 16+ years of dedication. His success highlights the Kurdistan Region’s thriving potato sector and growing exports.

On International Potato Day, May 30, 2025, the potato landscape in India is set to witness a significant event dedicated to the humble yet vital potato. Aloo Sabha, a "Potato Event" hosted by KisanTak (India Today Group), will occur in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, starting at 9:00 AM.

PoLoPo, a molecular farming pioneer has announced it has increased its capacity to produce samples for food industry partners with new, larger-scale lab equipment following its first successful outdoor field cultivation of protein-packed potatoes.

Potato farming in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Philippines, spans 11,000 hectares but struggles with limited high-quality seed potatoes. At the World Potato Congress (WPC) 2024 in Adelaide, Australia, experts highlighted Apical Rooted Cuttings (ARC) as a solution to improve yields.