Air potato steals the show at Telangana Seed Festival

Air potato, also known as Jain potato, emerged as the most captivating crop at the Telangana Second Annual Seed Festival — Vitthanala Panduga, held from February 6 to 8 at The Earth Centre in Anumaspalli village, Kadthal. Organised jointly by the Council for Green Revolution and Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch, the festival showcased indigenous seeds, promoted sustainable farming, and highlighted the importance of seed diversity.

Unlike traditional potatoes that grow underground, air potato thrives on a climbing vine above the soil, producing nutritious tubers directly on the plant. Each tuber can range from 100 grams to over a kilogram, and a single planting can continue producing crops for several years. The crop requires minimal care, adapts to different soil types, and grows well in diverse climatic conditions, making it a low-input, high-return option for cultivation.

According to farmers attending the festival, air potato provides significant advantages for small and marginal cultivators. Its ability to grow in various soils and climates without special attention makes it a reliable crop, while its continued production over multiple seasons reduces the need for repeated sowing. Farmers also noted that air potato resembles regular potatoes in taste and can be cooked with other vegetables in everyday dishes. Some also observed potential health benefits, including relief from joint and knee discomfort.

The festival also featured a variety of unusual and heritage seeds, including 12-foot tall wine tomatoes, upward-growing Gandhari chillies with extra spiciness, bright red okra, multicoloured eggplants, and indigenous corn varieties. Farmers highlighted the value of these crops in adding diversity to cultivation, improving nutrition, and preserving traditional food practices.

In addition to displays, the event served as a direct marketplace for indigenous seeds, allowing farmers to obtain seeds without intermediaries. Experts emphasised the need to protect seed biodiversity and farmers’ rights amid increasing reliance on hybrid seeds. The festival reinforced Telangana’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, indigenous crop conservation, and ensuring farmers have access to healthy, natural seeds for future cultivation.