Key Highlight

• Punjab scientists have produced a potato variety that can handle smog.
• The variety, called Ijaz-22, was developed in Sahiwal.
• Smog has been hurting potato yields across eastern Punjab.
• More smog-tolerant potato lines are now under testing.

Scientists in Pakistan’s Punjab province have created a potato variety that can tolerate smog, offering hope to farmers facing heavy air pollution each winter. The variety, known as Ijaz-22, was developed at the Potato Research Institute in Sahiwal and is designed to cope with poor air quality that has been affecting crop yields.

Smog hurting crops each winter

Every winter, cities across eastern Punjab rank among the world’s most polluted due to thick smog. This air pollution does not only affect health but also harms farming. Long exposure to smog weakens crops, slows growth and makes plants more open to pests and disease. Potato crops are among those most affected.

Poor air quality also delays harvests and lowers tuber quality. Scientists say smog blocks sunlight, which reduces photosynthesis and weakens plant growth. Over time, this leads to falling output and rising risks for farmers.

New variety shows strong results

Scientists at the Potato Research Institute in Sahiwal have been working on potato lines that can handle fog and smog. According to the institute’s director, Dr. Syed Ijazul Hassan, Ijaz-22 has shown strong tolerance during smoggy conditions in Punjab.

He said the institute has already created 12 potato varieties that can tolerate fog and give good yields. The current focus is now on testing and improving lines that can survive smog, which has become a growing problem in recent years.

Also read: Aeroponics vs Traditional Potato Farming: Costs, Yields & Benefits

Climate and disease pressures remain

Dr. Hassan said smog is not the only challenge facing potato growers. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall and less available water are also affecting production. These factors weaken crops and increase disease risks.

He explained that smog supports the spread of diseases such as blight and lowers overall tuber quality. Other common potato diseases in Punjab include leafroll virus, mosaic virus, early blight, brown leaf spot, common scab and black leg.

To reduce losses, he called for better pest control planning and farming practices that protect soil and plant health.

Seed supply and export hopes

This year, the institute produced 60 tons of potato seed, with 4.55 tons shared with farmers. Grower groups say Pakistan has strong export potential, with potatoes already shipped to many countries. China is seen as a key market during the January to April export season.

With smog becoming a yearly threat, smog-tolerant potato varieties like Ijaz-22 may help protect farmer incomes and food supply. Scientists say more work is underway to support growers facing tougher growing conditions.

Source: Arab News
Image credit: Yen Vu on Unsplash

Key Highlights:

• Dhanuka Agritech shares tips to prevent early and late blight in potatoes.
• Advises farmers to use certified, disease free seeds and balanced fertilisers.
• Recommends preventive fungicides for crop safety and higher yield.
• Encourages good field hygiene and moisture control during rabi season.

As the rabi season gets underway, potato growers in India are preparing their fields for planting. Potato is one of most valuable cash crops, but it also faces serious threats from changing weather and fungal diseases. To help farmers protect their crop and achieve better returns, Dhanuka Agritech has issued an advisory focusing on disease prevention and scientific crop care.

The company suggests that farmers should always begin with healthy, certified and disease free seed tubers. Medium sized tubers give better sprouting and uniform growth. Depending on temperature and region, best sowing period runs from mid October to mid November. The soil should be well drained and loose, with good organic content to prevent rotting and improve aeration. Farmers are advised to keep around 20–25 cm space between plants and about 60 cm between rows.

Also read: Global Potato Crisp Market to Reach USD 45 Billion by 2035

Healthy seed is base of a strong crop. Dhanuka Agritech stresses need to protect seeds from early infections like black scurf and scab. Seed treatment with suitable fungicides before planting can stop the disease at an early stage and promote better crop health.

Among the major threats to potato farming are early and late blight. These fungal infections thrive in cool and humid conditions and can quickly spread, affecting both yield and quality. To fight this, farmers are advised to begin preventive sprays soon after germination and continue as per scientific guidance. Using both systemic and contact fungicides helps control infection and provides longer lasting results.

Dhanuka recommends products such as Thiophenate methyl 38% + Kasugamycin 2.21% for seed treatment and Amisulbrom 20% SC, Mancozeb 75% WP or Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP for foliar sprays. Amisulbrom protects against late blight, Mancozeb works as a broad contact fungicide to stop spore germination and Carbendazim Mancozeb mix controls soil and seed borne fungal problems. Regular fungicide use, along with field cleanliness and crop rotation, can help reduce disease risk and maintain productivity.

Maintaining even moisture levels is key for tuber growth. Waterlogging should be avoided, as excess water can harm roots and promote rot. Drip or sprinkler systems can help supply water evenly. Balanced fertiliser use, especially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, along with organic manure, supports stronger plants and better quality tubers.

Biofertilisers like Mycorrhiza are also helpful in improving nutrient and moisture absorption, leading to stronger root systems and better yields.

Dhanuka Agritech provides a range of crop protection solutions, including eco friendly fungicides, insecticides and plant growth products. By following good farming practices, timely disease control and proper nutrition, farmers can protect their potato fields and secure higher income during the season.

With careful planning, timely protection and regular field care, farmers can manage early and late blight effectively. Dhanuka Agritech’s advisory reminds growers that preventive action, rather than late response, is best way to keep potato crops healthy and profitable this rabi season.

Source: Global-Agriculture
Image Credit: Pexels by Engin Akyurt