A 27-member delegation of Soil and Water Conservation Officers from Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh today visited the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, under an exposure and capacity-building programme to gain first-hand knowledge of advanced potato research, sustainable production technologies and extension strategies. Welcoming the delegation, Alok Kumar, head, Division of Social Sciences, highlighted the history, mandate and national importance of ICAR-CPRI as India’s premier institute for potato research and development. He highlighted ICAR-CPRI’s significant contributions to the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-resilient potato varieties, quality seed production technologies, crop protection strategies, mechanisation, post-harvest management and sustainable potato production systems. During the visit, the officers interacted with scientists on issues related to potato production technologies, quality seed systems, sustainable crop management, natural resource conservation, and technology transfer. They also visited the Institute’s museum and Kufri Farm, where they observed ongoing research on potato breeding, seed production and crop improvement.