In Punjab research on potato crop started around 1931 which primarily comprised of testing local as well as exotic germplasm for selection of desirable varieties. Prior to independence Research Institute, Pusa with its sub-stations at Shimla and Madras were exclusively engaged in conducting research on potato. Main problems in potato cultivation in Punjab was availability of seed potato which was received from Dera Dun, Shimla, Farrukhabad and Patna After independence in West Pakistan research on potato remained almost ignored for some years. Efforts were made by the Department of Agriculture, Punjab to tackle the problem. The first step taken in this regard was to introduce potato cultivation in Murree Hills and to use its seed potato for planting the spring crop in plains of Punjab on trial basis. From experimentation, very encouraging results were obtained.
This successful introduction of potato crop helped to carry out independent research on potato crop in the country and found missing links between spring and autumn crops of potato. Research on potato was initiated on a limited scale by the Punjab Agricultural College and Research Institute, Lyallpur (Faisalabad) in the year 1950-51. The work carried out during subsequent years contributed a lot for its betterment. Potato Research Station was initially established during 1958-59 by the Federal Government of Pakistan under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture at Murree. Because the weather conditions of Murree were conducive to flowering and berries formation. So, to evolve new high yielding Potato varieties, hybridization work was started at Murree along with the introduction and acclimatization of Potato material from abroad. During 1964, this scheme was divided in to four parts and major share was handed over to Punjab Province. Beside this, the head quarter of the Potato Botanist was shifted at Sialkot. Because at that time 25% of total area under potato crop was cultivated in District Sialkot. After that, during 1969 to strengthen the Research Work on potato crop a new scheme entitled, “Accelerated potato improvement and production project” was got approved by the Government. In the world, there are mono crop institutes of the potato crop. So, keeping in view the importance of the potato crop and its scope in Pakistan, Govt. of the Punjab has established Potato Research Institute at Sahiwal and all resources of the Tobacco Research Station, Sahiwal were shifted to this Institute. Now PRI, Sahiwal is working with following setup.
Mission
- To strengthen research activities for increasing Potato productivity
- To develop high yielding & short duration varieties tolerant/more resistant to frost, fungal, bacterial and viral diseases
- Research on potato for processing industry /value addition
- Standardization of production technology for new varieties
- Dissemination of production technology through extension staff, farmer days, seminars, radio & TV talks and publications
- Pre basic and basic seed production
Objectives
- Development of high yielding varieties tolerant to frost, fungal, bacterial and viral diseases
- Research on potato for processing industry
- Pre-basic and basic seed potato production
- Standardization of production technology for new potato varieties
- Dissemination of production technology through extension staff, farmer days, seminars, radio & TV talks and publications