New technique to store potatoes for longer period

JALANDHAR: Researchers at the Central Potato Research Station (CPRS) here today claimed to have invented a new technique that would ensure storage of potatoes for longer duration.

According to Ashiv Mehta, principal scientist at CPRS in Jalandhar, "Potato contains about 80 per cent water and that is why it gets decayed a week after being harvested."

"If the water content is taken out, potatoes can be stored for longer period," she claimed, adding that they have assembled a machine for the purpose.

She said they have carried out tests and the results have been positive.

Farmers in the Doaba region of Punjab have suffered losses due to bumper harvest of potatoes in the absence of enough storage facilities.