Vietnam has approved the export of nearly 28,000 potato seeds to India for scientific research, opening the way for researchers to evaluate new breeding lines under Indian growing conditions.
The Lam Dong Department of Agriculture and Environment has authorised the export of 27,952 potato seeds representing 23 different breeding lines. The material will be supplied by the Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Center under the Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Viet Nam.
The shipment, comprising between 60 and 3,936 seeds from each breeding line, is expected to be transported through Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The export permit is valid for 12 months and applies specifically to the approved research shipment.
The potato breeding lines are intended exclusively for scientific evaluation. Researchers in India will study their performance and adaptability under different growing conditions, potentially providing useful information for future potato-breeding programmes.
International exchange of plant genetic material can help researchers identify traits associated with higher yields, improved crop quality and greater tolerance to climate-related stresses, pests and diseases. Evaluating breeding material across different agro-climatic environments can also support the development of varieties better suited to changing production conditions.
Vietnamese authorities have specified that the plant material must be used only for approved research activities. While the breeding lines are exempt from state quality inspection, their export and handling remain subject to applicable plant protection, quarantine and environmental regulations.
The Potato, Vegetable and Flower Research Center will be responsible for complying with the necessary regulatory requirements and reporting on the export and use of the plant material after completion of the shipment.
The initiative represents another step in agricultural research cooperation between India and Vietnam, with potato breeding and germplasm exchange offering opportunities to improve productivity, crop resilience and varietal development.