Bio-Fortified Potatoes

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.

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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