Bio-Fortified Potatoes Latest News
India is taking a significant step in tackling micronutrient deficiencies and improving agricultural sustainability by introducing bio-fortified potatoes with enhanced iron content, developed by the International Potato Center (CIP) based in Peru.
What are Bio-Fortified Potatoes?
- Bio-fortified potatoes are a new variety enriched with higher iron content aimed at addressing iron deficiency and hidden hunger. These are developed using conventional breeding and biotechnology without altering taste or yield.
- The initiative is led by the International Potato Centre (CIP), based in The CIP is a global research leader in tuber crops and is working actively to promote nutritionally improved potatoes in India.
About Bio-Fortified Sweet Potatoes
- Bio-fortified sweet potatoes enriched with Vitamin A are already available in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. Plans are underway to expand their access to more farmers across India.
- The current focus is on iron-fortified potato varieties, for which germplasm has been shared with ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla.
- A variety has already been released in Peru and is currently under evaluation and adaptation for Indian agro-climatic conditions.
- CIP is establishing a South Asia regional centre in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, acknowledging the Indo-Gangetic plains as the world’s largest potato-producing region. This centre will boost regional R&D and seed access.
- ICAR has released biofortified seed varieties across 61 crops, including 34 field crops (cereals, pulses, millets, oilseeds) and 27 horticultural crops (tubers, vegetables, medicinal plants).
- Examples of Biofortified Crops
- CR Dhan 416: Salinity-resistant rice variety with multiple pest resistances.
- Durum Wheat: Adapted to irrigated areas, rich in zinc (41.1 ppm) and iron (38.5 ppm), and contains 12% protein.
About Biofortification
- Biofortification is the process of enhancing the nutrient content of crops using conventional breeding, agronomic techniques, or modern biotechnology.
- It helps increase vitamin and mineral levels in staple crops.
Source: TH
Bio-Fortified Potatoes FAQs
Q1: What are bio-fortified potatoes?
Ans: Bio-fortified potatoes are specially bred varieties enriched with iron to combat micronutrient deficiencies like anaemia. They are developed through conventional breeding and biotechnology.
Q2: Who developed the bio-fortified potato variety introduced in India?
Ans: The International Potato Center (CIP), based in Peru, developed the iron-rich variety and has shared its germplasm with ICAR’s Central Potato Research Institute in Shimla.
Q3: Why is bio-fortification of potatoes important for India?
Ans: Bio-fortified potatoes help address iron-deficiency anaemia, which affects over 50% of Indian women and children, according to NFHS-5.
