TNN

Varanasi: In a step toward transforming rice-potato cropping systems into more sustainable and climate-resilient models, the International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and the International Potato Center (CIP) jointly convened a multi-stakeholder consultation in Varanasi recently.

The consultation focused on advancing a prototype innovation designed to enable Potato Zero Tillage with Rice Straw Mulch (PZTM)—a conservation agriculture technique that uses rice straw as natural mulch for potato cultivation, eliminating the need for intensive tillage.

At the heart of the discussion was a novel combine harvester prototype that integrates rice harvesting and zero-till potato planting in a single mechanised pass, addressing key bottlenecks in residue management and timely planting. The meeting brought together stakeholders from government bodies, CGIAR centres, private agri-tech firms, food processing companies, universities, and farmer groups. Uttar Pradesh, being India’s largest potato-producing state and a major rice producer, was highlighted as a key geography for piloting the innovation.

BL Meena, additional chief secretary, Horticulture, govt of Uttar Pradesh, expressed strong support for scaling up PZTM through convergence with existing horticulture and farm mechanisation schemes.”This consultation is unique, with farmers directly participating in machinery review and development,” said Sudhanshu Singh, Director, ISARC. “The prototype has the potential to revolutionise Eastern India’s rice-potato systems by reducing turnaround time, conserving water, and improving soil health.”

Neeraj Sharma, Country Head of CIP, underscored the role of women farmers, regional disparities in mechanisation, and the urgent need to tackle crop residue burning. He stressed public-private partnerships and system-based innovations to scale sustainable potato production.

Participants included representatives from PepsiCo, McCain, Yanmar, Khalsa, researchers from Punjab University, and farmers from rice-potato growing states. Discussions centred on prototype design, field feasibility, and pathways to validation and scaling.

Published Date: July 23, 2025