India Launches Bio-Fortified Potatoes

India is set to introduce bio-fortified potatoes with the release of three nutrient-rich varieties: Kufri Chipsona-5, Kufri Bhaskar, and the purple-fleshed Kufri Jamunia, developed by ICAR–CPRI.
These medium-duration varieties deliver higher yields, enhanced storability, and better climate resilience. Notably, Kufri Jamunia is packed with anthocyanins, vitamin C, and carotenoids. This initiative aims to boost nutritional security and promote innovative farming practices. Farmers nationwide will soon have access to these seeds, marking a significant step forward in agricultural progress.

What are Bio-Fortified Potatoes?

Bio-fortified potatoes are specially developed varieties enriched with higher iron content through conventional breeding and biotechnology. They are designed to combat iron deficiency, particularly among women and children, without compromising taste or yield. This initiative is spearheaded by the International Potato Center (CIP), a global leader in tuber crop research.

Expansion of Bio-Fortified Crops in India:

1. Bio-Fortified Sweet Potatoes

• Vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes are already cultivated in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha.
• Efforts are underway to expand their cultivation to more states across India.

2. Iron-Fortified Potato Varieties

• Germplasm for iron-rich potatoes has been shared with the ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla.
• A variety already released in Peru is under evaluation for Indian agro-climatic conditions.
• To strengthen the mission, the CIP South Asia Regional Centre is being established in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, located in the Indo-Gangetic plains, the world’s largest potato-producing region.

Other Bio-Fortified Crops Released by ICAR

ICAR has introduced biofortified seed varieties across 61 crops, including:

• 34 field crops such as cereals, pulses, millets, and oilseeds
• 27 horticultural crops including tubers, vegetables, and medicinal plants

Examples:

• CR Dhan 416: A salinity-tolerant rice variety with multiple pest resistances
• Durum Wheat: Adapted to irrigated regions; enriched with zinc (41.1 ppm), iron (38.5 ppm), and 12% protein

About Biofortification

Biofortification is the process of increasing vitamin and mineral content in staple crops through:

• Conventional breeding
• Agronomic practices
• Modern biotechnology

It is a proven strategy to combat hidden hunger and enhance nutritional security for millions of people.