(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) BIO FERTILIZED POTATOES

(SEPTEMBER-2025)

Peru-based International Potato center will soon introduce Bio Fertilized Potatoes, with added iron content in India.

Iron-fortified potato varieties are currently the focus, and the ICAR‑Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, has been given access to the germplasm for the purpose of multiplying the seeds and distributing them to farmers.
This potato variety has already been made available in Peru and is presently being assessed and modified for the agroclimatic conditions of India.
In recognition of the Indo-Gangetic plains as the world’s greatest potato-producing region, CIP is creating a South Asia regional centre in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This centre will improve seed access and regional R&D.

Compared to ordinary potatoes, bio-fortified potatoes are specially developed potatoes that have increased concentrations of micronutrients (iron, zinc, and vitamin C).
A new type of potato called bio-fortified potatoes has been developed with a higher iron content to combat hidden hunger and iron deficiency.
These are created without compromising yield or flavour by the use of biotechnology and traditional breeding.
The International Potato Centre (CIP) is in charge of the project and is situated in The CIP, a world leader in tuber crop research, which is actively promoting nutritionally enhanced potatoes in India.

The method of boosting food crops’ nutrient density while maintaining consumer-preferred qualities using traditional breeding, agronomic techniques, or contemporary biotechnology is known as biofortification.
It contributes to the elevation of vitamin and mineral content in staple crops.
Iron‑enriched crops: Rice, beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, and legumes.
Zinc‑enriched crops: Includes maize, sweet potatoes, rice, beans, and wheat.
Provitamin A crops: Include cassava, sweet potatoes, and maize.