Context
Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) has developed several nutrient-rich, colored potato varieties to improve agricultural and nutritional outcomes.
Nutrient-Rich Coloured Potato Varieties Developed by ICAR-CPRI
| Potato Variety | Year of Release | Key Characteristics | Nutritional Benefits |
| Kufri Neelkanth | 2018 | Purple-skinned specialty potato variety | High antioxidant content |
| Kufri Manik | 2021 | Deep-red, round tubers with yellow flesh | Contains anthocyanins, zinc and iron |
| Kufri Jamunia | 2024 | Dark-purple skin and purple flesh | Higher levels of Vitamin C, anthocyanins and carotenoids than Kufri Manik and Kufri Neelkanth; also contains zinc and iron |
About Kufri Jamunia
- Developed by: ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI), Shimla.
- Release year: 2024.
- Type: Purple-fleshed, biofortified potato variety.
- Purpose: To improve nutritional security through enhanced levels of vitamins, antioxidants and micronutrients.
- Key Features
- Appearance: Dark-purple skin and purple flesh; oblong tubers with shallow eyes.
- Maturity: Medium-maturing variety, approximately 90–100 days.
- Yield: 32–35 tonnes per hectare under recommended cultivation practices.
- Tubers: Approximately 10–12 medium-to-large tubers per plant.
- Storage: Medium dormancy of 6–8 weeks and good keeping quality.
- Recommended region: Northern, Central and Eastern plains of India.
Nutritional Importance
- Kufri Jamunia is rich in:
- Anthocyanins: Natural pigments responsible for its purple colour, with antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Supports immune function and iron absorption.
- Carotenoids: Pigments with antioxidant functions.
- Iron and zinc: Essential micronutrients for human health.
| Important CTC from This Article: Bio fortifiction |
Q. With respect to Kufri Jamunia, a recently released crop variety in India, consider the following statements:
1. It is a biofortified purple potato variety developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI).
2. It is characterized by a very short dormancy period, which causes rapid sprouting and makes it unsuitable for long-term storage.
3. Its distinct purple flesh is indicative of a high antioxidant content, alongside enhanced levels of anthocyanins, zinc, and iron.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
• Statement I is correct: Kufri Jamunia is a biofortified table variety purple potato developed by the ICAR-CPRI and officially released in 2024 for cultivation in the North Indian plains.
• Statement II is incorrect: The variety shows a medium dormancy period of around 6-8 weeks. Because tubers do not sprout quickly, it possesses excellent storage quality with low rottage and minimal weight loss.
• Statement III is correct: It is a highly nutritious variety containing elevated levels of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, zinc, and iron. The dark purple flesh specifically indicates high anthocyanin and antioxidant content.