CPRI warns Himachal potato growers of possible late blight outbreak

The Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, has issued an advisory warning potato growers in Himachal Pradesh about a possible outbreak of late blight disease as prevailing weather conditions are favorable for its spread. Farmers have been urged to take preventive measures to protect their crops.

Head of the Plant Protection Division at CPRI, Sanjeev Sharma, urged farmers to remain vigilant and ensure timely application of recommended fungicides. He also advised growers to maintain proper field drainage and control weeds to reduce the risk of disease, adding that immediate action should be taken if symptoms appear in potato fields.

The advisory covers the state’s major potato-growing districts, including Shimla, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, and Lahaul and Spiti, where potato cultivation spans nearly 15,000 hectares.

CPRI said continued monitoring of crop conditions and timely preventive measures will be crucial in limiting the spread of the disease and safeguarding potato production in the state.