An Educational Visit to CPRI-Shimla was organized by Department of Biotechnology (SALS) for the students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Biotechnology on 2nd – 4th February, 2020. The visit was conceptualised by Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Singh, Principal-SALS, Uttaranchal University. Dr. N.K. Pandey (Senior Scientist, CPRI) provided the official permission for the visit. The visit was executed under the guidance of Dr. Nishesh Sharma (Head – Department of Biotechnology), Dr. Rohit Sharma (Asst. Prof.) and Dr. Archana (Asst. Prof.). The group comprised of 32 students.
The group reached Shimla on 2nd February and visited CPRI Lab on 3rd February. An Introductory Session was conducted by Smt. Jitendra Kaur Arora, Senior Technical Assistant – CPRI. She briefed the students about the different sections of CPRI, namely, production, plant protection and plant breeding, through a Power Point Presentation. The Introductory Session was followed by an interaction of students with Mr. D.K. Gupta, Technical Officer – CPRI, who elaborated upon how breeding programmes were developed to produce disease free and hybrid varieties. Students attained practical exposure of application of micro-propagation in developing hybrid plant varieties. The students also visited Plant Pathology Section and Museum which enhanced their knowledge related to potato plant diseases, their control and prevention along with the various hybrid potato varieties released by CPRI and cultivated in various parts of India.
After the completion of visit the students enjoyed the natural beauty and biodiversity of Shimla & Kufri. The visit proved to be extremely beneficial in updating students about plant breeding programme and the potential of the same in providing food to the increasing population along with employment to large number of workers. The students extended their gratitude towards Hon’ble Chancellor Shri Jitender Joshi, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) N.K. Joshi and Principal – SALS Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Singh for their kind consent and support for the visit.
