ITC's Technico signs pact with James Hutton Institute to source new potatoes varieties

ITC Ltd's agri-biotech arm Technico Agri Sciences has signed an agreement with Scotland-based James Hutton Institute to bring in 16 new varieties and 600 new clones of potato for trial and testing in India.

ITC said in a statement, "These differentiated varieties promise to further benefit India's farmers and the potato processing industry as well as help in promoting potato exports. The agreement is initially for a period of five years and is extendable."

Sachid Madan, Chief Executive, Technico Agri Sciences, said, "We have been engaging extensively with farmers and processors to help improve farm yield in potatoes significantly. The improvement in yields along with better prices for such varieties has contributed to the doubling of farmer incomes in states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and others and has also facilitated exports and processing. This landmark agreement is yet another substantive step in maximising returns for farmers, particularly for the potato crop farmers."

Dr Jonathan Snape, Head of James Hutton Limited, the commercial arm of the James Hutton Institute, added, "Our mission is to be at the forefront of innovative and transformative science for sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources that support thriving communities. Since potato farming provides livelihood to a significant section of India's agricultural community, we are hopeful that our tie-up with Technico will help these communities effectively."