Chandigarh– The “Fourth Potato Expo,” organised by the Haryana Horticulture Department at Karnal, concluded successfully. The two-day event witnessed enthusiastic participation from progressive farmers, seed producers, scientists, buyers, sellers, and companies from the public and private sectors from Haryana and other states. The main objective of the expo was to showcase new technologies in potato production, promote high-quality seed potatoes, and connect farmers with better markets. On the second day and at the closing ceremony of the expo, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shyam Singh Rana attended as the Chief Guest.
During the event, the Agriculture Minister first inspected the state-of-the-art tissue culture laboratory established at the institute, where the process of producing disease-free and high-quality seed potatoes was explained to him. Thereafter, he visited the aeroponics unit, where the advanced technology of soil-less potato production was demonstrated.
The Agriculture Minister also inspected the demonstration trials of various potato varieties, where discussions were held on the yield potential, disease resistance, and market value of a total of 16 different varieties. Besides this, he visited various stalls set up by various firms at the expo venue, where public and private companies showcased seeds, machinery, technical materials, and other agricultural equipment. He interacted with stall operators, gathered information about new technologies, and appreciated innovations in the interest of farmers.
Addressing farmers, buyers, and sellers present at the event, Rana said that the expo is a strong platform for connecting high-quality seed potatoes produced in Haryana with farmers across the country. He said that Haryana is emerging as a leading agricultural state in seed potato production. Through the adoption of new technologies, Haryana has made significant progress in seed potato production, reducing farmers’ costs and increasing their income. He said that this platform will directly connect farmers and buyers, ensuring better markets and fair prices.
The Agriculture Minister said that India is an agriculture-based country and that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the country has progressed, providing opportunities for growth in the agricultural sector and for farmers. He said that the dream of a developed India will be realized only when every sector progresses, and the Government of India is continuously working towards this goal. He informed that the Haryana Government is procuring many crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Besides this, the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana is being implemented to promote horticulture. He said that agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and horticulture are being actively promoted in the state. Haryana ranks second in fish production in the country and the government has fixed the price of honey at Rs. 120 per kilogram. He appealed to citizens to adopt indigenous products to strengthen the country’s economy.
The Agriculture Minister honored farmers for their outstanding work. Five progressive farmers were awarded the ‘Aloo Ratna’ Award and given a cash prize of Rs. 11,000 each, while 11 farmers were honored with the ‘Aloo Samman’ Award, along with a cash prize of Rs. 5,100 each.
On this occasion, it was also informed that the tissue culture laboratory was formally granted accreditation after inspection by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi, on October 1, 2025. Congratulating the Horticulture Department and scientists on this achievement, Rana said that this recognition is a matter of pride for Haryana. The accreditation shows the laboratory’s technical capacity, quality standards, and research facilities. It was further informed that in 2024, the state government registered the trademark of the “Har-Aloo” logo, which symbolizes the high quality, purity, and reliability of seed potatoes. The Minister said that this brand will help give Haryana’s seed potatoes a distinct identity at the national level.