Biofortified Potatoes

• 11 Aug 2025

Source: TH

The Peru-based International Potato Center (CIP) will introduce iron-rich biofortified potatoes in India to combat iron deficiency anemia.  

• Developed at CIP Peru using nutrient-rich germplasm, the potatoes were tested in labs and fields, then adapted by ICAR–CPRI Shimla for seed multiplication and farmer distribution.  
• Additionally, CIP will establish its South Asia Regional Centre in Agra, situated in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, the world’s largest potato-producing region. 

Bio-fortified Potatoes 

• About: Bio-fortified potatoes are specially bred potatoes that contain higher levels of micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin C) than regular varieties.  
  • Biofortified Sweet Potatoes are enriched with Vitamin A through high beta-carotene content & is already cultivated in Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Assam.  
    • Their bright orange flesh indicates high nutritional value, essential for vision, immunity, and child growth, helping prevent night blindness and boosting immunity in children. 
    • ICAR-CTCRI’s new beta-carotene-rich sweet potato (SP-95/4) promises high yields and improved tribal nutrition. 
• Key Advantages: Sweet potatoes have a 2-year shelf life without refrigeration/preservatives, are versatile for cooking (boiled, baked, snacks, confectionery), and suitable for Mid-day Meal and other nutrition programmes. 

 

Biofortification 

• Biofortification is the process of increasing nutrient density of food crops through conventional breeding, agronomic practices, or modern biotechnology, while ensuring consumer-preferred traits. Eg:  
  • Iron-rich crops: Rice, beans, sweet potato, cassava, legumes. 
  • Zinc-enriched crops: Wheat, rice, beans, sweet potato, maize. 
  • Provitamin A crops: Sweet potato, maize, cassava. 
  • Protein/Amino acid crops: Sorghum, cassava.

Read More: Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Biofortification