ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Regional Station Shillong laid Front Line Demonstration (FLD) programme for cultivating potato processing variety i.e Kufri Frysona in three villages (Thadnongiaw, Mawbri and Kyrdem) of Ri-Bhoi district during the rabi season. A total of 20 quintals of quality potato seeds were distributed to the farmers. This programme was carried out in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ri-Bhoi, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. A Field Day was organized during harvest on the 26th April, 2023 to showcase the technology to the line departments including officials Shri Madrass Dkhar, DDM, NABARD and Shri Mightystar Lyngdoh, DPD, ATMA along with 30 nearby villagers. The programme was attended by Dr. Clarissa Challam, Scientist & Head, Dr. N Sailo, Senior Scientist, Dr. Janani P, Scientist and Dr. Yvonne Angel Lyngdoh, Scientist from CPRI, RS, Shillong and Dr. Mokidul Islam, Principal Scientist & Head, Dr. Utpal Barua, SMS (Horticulture), Dr. Meghna Sarma, SMS 
(Agronomy) of KVK Ri Bhoi. The programme began with an inaugural address by Head, KVK, Ri-Bhoi who welcomed all the farmers, officials and scientists. He highlighted the importance of Field day and in growing potato for crop diversification, intensification especially processing varieties which are helpful for employment generation and doubling farmers income. This was followed by a brief speech by Scientist & Head, CPRI-RS, Shillong about the introduction of processing variety Kufri Frysona and the package of practices for higher productivity and profitability. She emphasized on the use of quality seeds, improved varieties and scientific potato cultivation practices and encouraged the farmers to keep the seeds for next season. During this programme harvesting was carried out in the fields of Mrs. Manosha Syngkli and Mrs. Jemnud Marpan of Thadnongiaw village resulting in an average yield of 30-35 t/ha. This indicated an increase of 200 % and 30 % over the state (10 t/ha) and national (23 t/ha) average yield. The farmers shared their feedback of satisfaction in seeing the yield which is comparatively higher when used quality seeds of improved variety over local seeds with existing farmer’s practices. In the aforementioned programme, there was also an interaction with the Scientists, SMS, officials, and farmers to address their concerns. The success of this technological interventions inspired both officials and farmers, suggesting the possibility of area expansion and adopting potato processing types in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
Original link :https://cpri.icar.gov.in/
