Technico Agri Sciences Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of ITC Ltd. has inked a deal with James Hutton Institute to revolutionize potato farming in India. This Scotland based institute has a worldwide prominence for its research on lands, crops, water and the environment.
According to this deal, James Hutton Institute will provide 16 new varieties and 600 newer clones of potatoes to ITC which the company will test in Indian farming environment. If all goes well, then this trial will become an industry standard for producing potatoes in India.
These varieties if get tested positive results in Indian agricultural environment then it can help farmers to increase their yields substantially. And help flourishing Indian potato processing industry and potato exports all across the globe.
These varieties will be first get tested in James Hutton Institute keeping Indian farming conditions in mind (as different regions have different varieties of soils and climate pattern) and then only handed over to the ITC.
“We are working diligently to help farmers increase their income. This landmark agreement will further boost the farmers’ income by 15-20 percent once these varieties get available in the market,” said Sachid Madan, Chief Executive of Technico Agri Sciences Limited. “This agreement is initially for a period of five years and get extended, if needed in future,” added Sachid.
Dr Jonathan Snape, Head of James Hutton Limited, the commercial subsidiary of the James Hutton Institute added, “The aim of our institute is to do quality research that can add values to farming business and help farmers community to flourish in their profession. We understand the significance of potato farming in India and also aware of the farmers’ income. We are very much confident that this agreement with Technico Agri Sciences Limited will help increasing the livelihood of significant section of farmers’ community in India.”
Andrew Ayre, British Deputy High Commissioner is also very optimistic about this deal. “Agri-tech is United Kingdom’s primary strength and we are pleased to share our expertise with India. It will further strengthen the bilateral co-operation between two economic superpowers and help improving the lives of many farmers in India,” stated Andrew.
ITC inks a Deal with James Hutton Institute to Revolutionize Potato Farming in India
