The Central Government has permitted the movement of potato seed tubers from select districts of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir to all other states and Union Territories of India. This notification was published on March 19, 2024 and has come into immediate effect.
This decision comes with special conditions aimed at ensuring the prevention of the Potato Cyst Nematode and safeguarding the environment.
In Himachal Pradesh, the specified localities include Khadrala, Umladwar, Sarapani, Kharapani, Tootupani, Hanstari Teer, Ponidhar, Deorighat, Kharapathar, among others.
Similarly, Central Government has permitted the export of potato seed tubers from districts such as Pithoragarh, Tehri, Chamoli, Almora, and Nainital in Uttarakhand. The specified localities include Balati and Munshiyari, Rani Chauri and Dhanaulti, Ramani, and Malla Ramgarh Farm.
In list for Jammu & Kashmir includes areas like Natha Top, Kandi Buddhal, Sedew, and Natha Top.
Moreover, special conditions mandate the decontamination of cyst-infested potato tubers with sodium hypochlorite. Regular inspection and supervision of treatment, soil sampling, and isolation of cyst nematodes will also be carried out. Individuals must submit quarterly reports to the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage in Faridabad for monitoring and assessment.
Additionally, the government emphasizes the importance of proper disposal of sodium hypochlorite solution to safeguard the environment and soil microflora. These measures aim to ensure the safe movement of potato seed tubers while mitigating the risk of Potato Cyst Nematode infestation.
