Kufri Jamunia: Biofortified Purple Potato for Nutritional Security

Why in News?

The ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) has highlighted Kufri Jamunia, a biofortified purple potato variety, for its potential to address hidden hunger and improve nutritional security. Its nutritional composition, cultivation potential and culinary versatility make it relevant to agricultural innovation and food-based approaches to tackling micronutrient deficiencies.

What Is Kufri Jamunia?

Kufri Jamunia is a biofortified purple potato variety developed by ICAR-CPRI and officially released in 2024. It combines distinctive purple flesh with nutritional characteristics that may help diversify diets.

It is a medium-maturing variety characterised by dark purple skin, purple flesh, oblong tubers, shallow eyes and a mealy texture. Each plant produces approximately 10–12 medium to large tubers.

Key Characteristics and Yield

Kufri Jamunia has demonstrated promising productivity under recommended cultivation practices.

• Average yield: Approximately 32–35 tonnes per hectare.
• Station-trial yield: Up to 49 tonnes per hectare in 90-day trials.
• Marketable yield: Nearly 90% of the total yield in reported trials.
• Dormancy period: Approximately 6–8 weeks.
• Storage: Reported to have good storage quality.

The variety has shown stable performance in multi-location trials and is recommended for cultivation in the North Indian plains, where conditions are suitable for potato production.

Nutritional Value and Biofortification

Kufri Jamunia contains vitamin C, anthocyanins, carotenoids, iron and zinc. Its reported nutritional advantage includes higher levels of vitamin C, anthocyanins and carotenoids than earlier coloured potato varieties such as Kufri Neelkanth and Kufri Manik.

Biofortification is the process of improving the nutritional content of crops through plant breeding and related agricultural approaches. It can help address hidden hunger, a condition in which people experience micronutrient deficiencies despite consuming sufficient calories.

Anthocyanins are natural pigments responsible for the purple colour of Kufri Jamunia. They also possess antioxidant properties, making coloured crops an important area of nutritional research.

Culinary Uses and Agricultural Significance

The purple flesh and mealy texture of Kufri Jamunia make it suitable for traditional dishes, snacks and processed food products. Potential uses include parathas, puris, bakery products and anthocyanin-rich potato flour.

Its significance extends beyond its colour. The combination of nutritional characteristics, yield potential and culinary versatility may support dietary diversity and food-based strategies for improving nutritional security. However, its overall contribution will depend on cultivation, affordability, consumer acceptance and access to the variety.

Other Potato Varieties Developed by ICAR-CPRI

Kufri Neelkanth: Released in 2018, it was developed as a purple-skinned specialty potato variety. It is suitable for cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and is known for its antioxidant content.

Kufri Manik: Released in 2021, this variety produces deep-red, round tubers with yellow flesh. It is noted for its anthocyanin, zinc and iron content.

Kufri Jamunia: Important Facts for Exams

• Variety: Kufri Jamunia.
• Developing institution: ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI).
• Release year: 2024.
• Distinctive feature: Purple skin and flesh.
• Important compounds and nutrients: Anthocyanins, carotenoids, vitamin C, iron and zinc.
• Recommended region: North Indian plains.
• Reported yield: 32–35 tonnes per hectare under recommended practices.
• Biofortification: Improving crop nutritional quality through plant breeding and related approaches.
• Hidden hunger: Micronutrient deficiencies despite adequate calorie intake.
• Related varieties: Kufri Neelkanth (2018) and Kufri Manik (2021).

Kufri Jamunia FAQs