Shimla: The central govt has notified two improved potato varieties – Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby – developed by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, marking a major milestone in potato research.The notification, published in the Gazette of India on July 8, allows production, certification and sale of quality seeds of these varieties in their recommended regions. CPRI director Brajesh Singh said the new varieties reflected India’s focus on developing climate-resilient, disease-resistant and market-oriented potato cultivars.He added that the move would strengthen the quality seed system, speed up technology transfer, and help improve farmers’ productivity and incomes.The notification holds special importance for Himachal Pradesh, where potato is the key cash crop supporting thousands of hill farmers.Kufri Abhedya has been recommended for cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, the northeastern hill regions, Nilgiri hills and the plateau areas of Karnataka and Maharashtra.Kufri Ruby has been recommended for cultivation across major potato-growing states, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra.Kufri Abhedya matures in 110-120 days and produces 25-30 tonnes per hectare under kharif conditions. It is the country’s first high-yielding potato variety resistant to both potato cyst nematodes and late blight, offering a sustainable solution to major crop challenges, while Kufri Ruby, developed for the baby potato market, yields 23-25 tonnes per hectare and is suitable for fresh markets, processors and the hospitality sector.The two varieties are expected to enhance profitability and sustainability for potato growers nationwide.MSID:: 132513588 413 |
