PMK protests against the closure of potato research centre in Nilgiris

The Nilgiris : The Pattali Makkal Katchi protested against the Indian Council of Agricultural Research decision to shut down the Central Potato Research Institute here today.

The Nilgiris : The Pattali Makkal Katchi protested against the Indian Council of Agricultural Research decision to shut down the Central Potato Research Institute here today. 

The PMK members led by State leader G.K Mani protested at ATC freedom grounds demanding the Centre to not to close the Institute. The ICAR recently recommended to the Union Agricultural Ministry to shut down the Institute.

The Central Potato Research Institute was started in 1957 to support potato farmers here. The Centre has been instrumental in devising ways to protect potato plants from pest attacks and scorching. The Centre has also developed pest resistant seed varieties like kufri giridari and kurfri surya and it has been selling seeds for a low cost to farmers. The Centre has three scientists, 3 technology experts, 12 permanent staff and over 100 contractual staff.



The PMK demanded that the Centre should withdraw its decision to shut down the only potato research centre in Southern India. They also demanded the State government to take necessary steps in this regard. 

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