Dibrugarh: Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Potato Center (CIP) to strengthen potato research, production, processing and value-chain development in the state, as well as in the northeast.The MoU was signed in New Delhi on August 23 under the CIP-National Agricultural Research Services (NARS) partnership. It aims to address key challenges affecting potato cultivation in the region, including low productivity, limited access to quality seed, inadequate mechanisation, pest and disease infestation, insufficient cold-storage facilities and weak value-chain development.The collaboration will support research, capacity building, training and community engagement, while promoting technologies suited to the region’s specific requirements.The partnership will also create opportunities for students and researchers from the northeast to engage with global potato research. Key areas identified for future intervention include quality seed production, nutrient management, biofortified varieties, climate-resilient farming, processing, value addition and market linkages.
