Virus indexing lab for potato farmers launched

Dilbag Singh 

Virus indexing lab for potato farmers launched

JALANDHAR 31 AUGUST 

 In a major push to strengthen the state’s agricultural infrastructure, Punjab Horticulture and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Monday inaugurated the region’s first government-owned virus indexing laboratory at the Centre of Excellence for Potato in Dhogri village. Established at a cost of nearly Rs. 1 crore, the high-tech facility marks a critical milestone for the state’s horticulture sector. Kartarpur MLA Balkar Singh and Director of Horticulture Manish Kumar, Joint Directors Gursharan Singh, Harmail Singh, Deputy Director Dr. Narinder Pal Kalsi, Controlling Officer for centre of Excellence Dr. Rupinder Singh Gill, Project Officer Dr. Damandeep Singh were also present at the inauguration ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Bhagat hailed the project as a path-breaking initiative by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to support thousands of potato cultivators. He highlighted that the laboratory is equipped with advanced diagnostic techniques capable of detecting seed-borne viruses early. By ensuring farmers refrain from planting infected seeds, the facility will prevent devastating disease outbreaks post-cultivation, saving both labor and significant financial resources by boosting capacity of disease-free potato seeds. “As only the second government-owned facility of its kind in Punjab, this laboratory will cater to potato growers not just in Jalandhar, but across the entire state,” Bhagat said. He added that the lab will play a pivotal role in producing certified, top-quality, disease-free potato seeds, ultimately boosting overall crop yield and enhancing farmers’ profit margins. Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the Minister stated that farmers remain the backbone of the state’s economy and that the government stands firmly behind them to drive holistic rural growth. Speaking on the occasion, MLA Balkar Singh emphasized that Punjab’s prosperity is fundamentally tied to its agrarian health. He noted that without empowering the farming community, the state cannot thrive and expressed confidence that the new virus indexing laboratory will go a long way in curbing crop losses and securing sustained agricultural income. During the inaugural ceremony, officials from Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Tarn Taran, and Amritsar were also present. Over 200 potato seed growers were also present in the event.