Administration unaware of water shortage at potato research station in Gwalior
11 Jun 2008, 1914 Hrs

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Gwalior, June 11 (ANI): Acute water shortage in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh is posing a serious threat to the production of potato seeds at the Central Potato Research Station.

The potato research centre, which has earned a name for producing quality potato seeds, is facing problems due to water scarcity.

Most of the research center's water sources have dried up.Even people working at the centre are not getting sufficient supply of drinking water.

The authorities at the research center said that there has been no response from the water Department of the State to their request. The authorities have instead threatened to shift the centre elsewhere.

"If the problem is not solved, this research centre might be transferred to some other State where there is enough water for the production of potato seeds," said Veer Singh Kushwa, Director, Central Potato Research Station.

Due to the water crisis, the research centre is returning the money taken from the farmers for the supply of potato seeds.

However, the state authorities have denied that there has been any complaint by them from the research centre.

"I have not heard of anything like this. It is extremely ridiculous that because of shortage of water, all the money is being given back. The authorities of the Research Centre should consult the District level officials. The officials should solve the problem of the people. I will also ask them as to where is the problem," said Dr. Komal Singh, Commissioner, Gwalior Division.

Set up as a regional off-shoot of the Shimla Centre, the Potato Research Centre at Gwalior has water only in one of its twelve bore-wells and the rest have dried up.

The Central Potato Research Station supplies seeds to several states including Madhya Pradesh. By Ashok Pal (ANI)