Long term potato storage technology for extreme winters in Ladakh

Keeping in view the potential of supplying locally grown potatoes to Army, DIHAR has developed a “Net-Zero Energy Based Potato Storage Technology” suitable for cold desert area of Ladakh. This technology has potential for assured local availability of fresh potato supply up to seven months (November-May) in winters to the Army deployed in Ladakh sector. With this technology, army can procure their demand of potatoes locally from the local farmers during the whole winter months, thereby shortening the conventional supply chain without compromising on quality. As a spin-off effect large number of local employment may also be generated across the border region of Ladakh and will help develop better fraternization between army and locals for effective border management. During the winter months of 2017-18, DIHAR in collaboration with HQ 14 Corps and local Cooperative Marketing Society (CMS), undertook a successful demonstration of this technology in the 3 Div Karu sector of Ladakh.