The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India has approved four new potato varieties developed by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla. The varieties, Kufri Ratan, Kufri Tejas, Kufri Chipbharat-1, and Kufri Chipbharat-2, have been released for cultivation, seed production, multiplication, and processing across several states and union territories, following the recommendations of the Central Seed Committee.
Kufri Ratan is a medium-maturing variety with a duration of about 90 days. It is suited for wide adaptability in the North Indian plains and plateau regions, producing yields between 37 and 39 tons per hectare. The variety produces dark red, ovoid tubers with yellow flesh, shallow to medium eyes, and high storability, making it suitable for both farming and distribution.
Kufri Tejas, also medium-maturing, provides yields of 37 to 40 tons per hectare and is tolerant to heat. It is recommended for early-season cultivation in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and for the main season in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Tubers are white cream with white flesh, and the variety can be stored under ambient conditions.
Two varieties have been developed for chip processing. Kufri Chipbharat-1 matures in about 100 days, with yields of 35 to 38 tons per hectare. It produces round, white cream tubers with shallow eyes, white flesh, and a dry matter content of about 21 per cent. Low reducing sugars ensure acceptable chip colour and storability.
Kufri Chipbharat-2 is early-maturing, harvested in about 90 days, with yields of 35 to 37 tons per hectare. It produces ovoid, white cream tubers with cream flesh and shallow-medium eyes. With high dry matter and low reducing sugars, it is suited for chip processing across multiple states, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. Both Chipbharat varieties will be licensed to seed producers and processors to supply the food industry.
Dr Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR-CPRI, said the notification represents progress for farmers, researchers, and the potato processing industry. Dr Salej Sood, Potato Breeder at ICAR-CPRI, noted that the release continues the institute's work on region-specific varieties. Dr Alok Kumar, Head of Social Sciences, said the varieties provide high-yielding, climate-resilient options for farmers while also supplying the processing industry with raw material.
Source: The Tribune India
