On August 11, 2024, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi introduced three potato varieties, named Kufri Chipsona-5, Kufri Bhaskar and Kufri Jamunia at the India Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. These high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified potatoes mark a significant advancement in Indian agriculture, emphasizing sustainable practices and enhanced nutritional value to combat malnutrition. CPRI scientists have been working on these potato varieties since lat many years aiming to address the needs of the processing industry and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of CPRI, highlighted that these varieties are tailored for processing, are heat-resistant, and are nutrient-rich.
At a gathering of farmers held at the Indian Agricultural Research Center in Modipuram, Meerut, Dr. S.K. Luthra and Dr. Vijay Kishore Gupta elaborated on the distinctive characteristics and advantages offered by these varieties. Dr. Alok Kumar, Head of the Social Science Department at CPRI, highlighted the initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption of these novel potato varieties among farmers.
Kufri Jamunia: The Purple-Fleshed Nutritional Powerhouse
- Unique Offering: Kufri Jamunia is the first-ever purple-fleshed potato variety, boasting biofortified nutritional benefits, high yield, and excellent storability, making it a top choice for both farmers and consumers.
- Maturation: This medium-maturing variety typically takes around 90 days from planting to harvest, providing a relatively quick turnaround for farmers aiming to efficiently rotate their crops.
- Nutritional Value: Being biofortified, Kufri Jamunia is rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants present in its vibrant purple flesh. This unique trait enhances its nutritional profile and sets it apart from traditional potato varieties.
- Yield: Known for its high yield potential, Kufri Jamunia can produce an average of 320-350 quintals per hectare, ensuring a bountiful harvest for farmers.
- Appearance: The tubers of Kufri Jamunia exhibit a distinctive dark purple color and oblong shape with shallow eyes. The visually striking appearance not only adds aesthetic appeal but also signifies the rich anthocyanin content within.
- Storability: A key advantage of Kufri Jamunia is its exceptional storability under ambient conditions. This feature allows the potatoes to be stored for extended periods without compromising quality, making them suitable for both local consumption and commercial distribution.
- Recommended Regions: Ideally suited for cultivation in the Northern, Central, and Eastern plains of India, Kufri Jamunia’s adaptability to these diverse regions makes it a versatile and reliable option for farmers seeking quality and productivity in their potato crops.
Kufri Chipsona-5: A Versatile Potato Variety for Chip Production
- Maturity and Yield: Medium maturing (90-100 days) and high yielding, producing 30-35 t/ha of >80% processing grade tubers.
- Appearance: White-cream oval tubers with shallow medium eyes, cream flesh, and mealy texture.
- Field Resistance: Resistant to late blight, ensuring better plant health.
- Genetics: A clonal selection from a cross between Kufri Himsona and CP1371, combining desirable traits.
- Adaptability: Suitable for cultivation in North Indian plains, Haryana, Uttarakhand, UP, MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and similar agro-ecologies.
- Plant Characteristics: Tall plants with vigorous and semi-compact canopy, with moderate resistance to late blight.
- Quality Attributes: Very good keeping quality, moderate tuber dry matter (20%), and low reducing sugar (<150 mg/100).
- Market Impact: Developed to address the low share of Indian potato varieties for chip/flakes making, offering profitable business opportunities in domestic and international markets.
Kufri Bhaskar: A Versatile Potato Variety for Northern and Central Plains
- Maturity and Adaptability: Kufri Bhaskar, is a medium-maturing potato variety tailored for the Northern and Central plains of India. Its adaptability to these regions ensures optimal growth and productivity.
- Appearance: The tubers of Kufri Bhaskar are characterized by their white-cream color, ovoid shape, shallow eyes, and mealy texture. These visual attributes contribute to its appeal and distinguish it in the potato market.
- Pest Tolerance: One of the key features of Kufri Bhaskar is its tolerance to hopper and mite infestations. This resistance helps in maintaining the health and vigor of the plants, leading to better yields and quality tubers.
- Suitability for Early Planting: Being suitable for early planting, Kufri Bhaskar offers farmers the flexibility to optimize their planting schedules and crop rotations effectively. This characteristic enhances the efficiency of agricultural operations in the region.
- Field Performance: The variety’s performance in the field is noteworthy, reflecting its ability to thrive in the specific agro-climatic conditions of the Northern and Central plains. Its adaptability to these environments makes it a reliable choice for farmers seeking consistent yields.
- Texture and Flavor: With a cream flesh and mealy texture, Kufri Bhaskar delivers a desirable eating experience. The creamy consistency and flavor profile make it a preferred choice for culinary purposes and add to its overall consumer appeal.
