Aeroponics: Future of Potato Cultivation in Pakistan: Chairman PARC

ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Pakistan and Korea are working jointly on seed potato production through aeroponics technology. The cooperation between Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) for Aeroponic Potato Seed Production System aims to achieve higher productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, initiating farm level processing, human resource development, and creating immense job opportunities. Under this program, a two-day training on Potato Field inspection, seed sampling & testing techniques has been organized at NIGAB, National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) Islamabad on 11-12th February 2025.
Addressing the inaugural session of the training, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman PARC, emphasized the importance of developing aeroponic potato seeds for Pakistan. He explained that conventional potato plants yield only five tuber seeds, while aeroponic plants can produce 50 to 60 seeds each. Pakistan cultivates potatoes on about 850,000 acres of land but relies on imports of 6,000 to 12,000 tons of seed potato each year due to the poor quality of domestic seeds. This puts a financial burden on the country and farmers who cannot afford high-quality imported seeds, resulting in lower yields. Chairman PARC acknowledged the government of the Republic of Korea for their financial and technical assistance in the agriculture sector of Pakistan.
Dr. Cho Gyoungrae, Director KOPIA-Pakistan Center, stated that the project aims to supply 160,000 tons of certified seed potatoes every year after 5th year of the production cycle. Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Director General FS&RD briefed about the role and function of FS&RD for seed certification and quality assurance for seed potato production in Pakistan.
Dr. Aish Muhammad, Project Coordinator, reported that the project aims to lower potato production costs and enhance yields by supplying quality seed potatoes at affordable prices. This will also lead to self-sufficiency in seed potato supply in Pakistan. Dr. Kazim Ali, project Incharge, briefed about the project targets and achievements.