Kufri Himalini Emerges as Star Performer in Leh’s Field Level Demonstrations

In a recent series of Field Level Demonstrations (FLDs) conducted in the Lekir area of Leh, Ladakh, the improved potato variety Kufri Himalini has emerged as the standout performer, capturing the attention of local tribal farmers and agricultural experts alike.

Impressive Yield Performance

The FLDs, organized by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Leh, showcased several improved potato varieties. However, Kufri Himalini stole the show with its remarkable yield:

• Kufri Himalini: Exceptional yield of 34-36 t/ha
• Other varieties (Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Karan): 28-30 t/ha
• Kufri Jyoti: 23-25 t/ha
• Local variety: Only about 18 t/ha

More about Kufri Himalini

Kufri Himalini is a medium maturing potato variety suitable for cultivation in Indian hills. This variety can also be grown in north-central plains

• Yield: Kufri Himalini yields more than other varieties like Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Giriraj, and Kufri Shailja. 
• Late blight resistance: Kufri Himalini is resistant to late blight in its foliage and moderately resistant in its tubers. 
• Maturity: Kufri Himalini is a medium-maturing potato variety with a maturity period of 110–120 days. 
• Tuber characteristics: Kufri Himalini potatoes are medium-sized, oval-oblong, and white with pale yellow flesh. They have a floury texture and mild taste. 
• Cooking quality: Kufri Himalini potatoes are considered to be of excellent cooking quality. 
• Keeping quality: Kufri Himalini potatoes have better keeping quality than Kufri Giriraj. 
• Cultivation: Kufri Himalini potatoes can be cultivated in the Indian hills and north-central plains.

Farmer Satisfaction and Economic Impact

The tribal farmers of Lekir village expressed high satisfaction with Kufri Himalini, noting several key advantages:

• Appealing shape of the potatoes
• Excellent storage life during winter months in cellars
• Approximately double the income compared to local varieties

Scientific Evaluation and Future Prospects

During the two-day program held on September 30 and October 1, 2024, a team of scientists from ICAR-CPRI and KVK Leh conducted field visits and evaluations. Their findings solidified Kufri Himalini’s position as the top performer among the demonstrated varieties.

Given its exceptional performance and acceptance, Kufri Himalini is expected to cover more cultivated area in the coming years. The success of this variety has been reported to the District Agriculture Department, with expectations that Likir village could become a significant potato seed production center in the near future.

Implications for Ladakh’s Agriculture

The success of Kufri Himalini in these demonstrations represents a significant breakthrough for sustainable agriculture in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. It offers a promising solution for enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the economic well-being of tribal farmers in this challenging terrain.

As Kufri Himalini continues to prove its worth, it may well become a cornerstone in the effort to empower local farmers and boost potato production in Ladakh, potentially transforming the agricultural landscape of the region.