In News:

India is intensifying efforts to combat micronutrient deficiencies and enhancenutritional security by introducing biofortified potatoes with enhanced iron content. These varieties, developed by the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru, are being adapted for Indian conditions in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla.

What are Biofortified Potatoes?

• Definition: Specially bred potatoes enriched with higher levels of iron, zinc, and vitamin C compared to conventional varieties.
• Objective: Address iron deficiency anemia and “hidden hunger” without compromising yield or taste.
• Development: CIP has released iron-rich potato varieties in Peru, now under evaluation and seed multiplication for Indian farmers.

Sweet Potatoes with Vitamin A

• Biofortified Sweet Potatoes with high beta-carotene (Vitamin A precursor) are already cultivated in Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Assam.
• Their bright orange flesh indicates nutritional richness, helping prevent night blindness, strengthen immunity, and improve child growth.
• ICAR-CTCRI’s SP-95/4 variety combines high beta-carotene with good yield, enhancing tribal nutrition.
• Advantages: Long shelf life (up to 2 years without refrigeration), versatile in food preparation, and suitable for Mid-Day Meal and nutrition schemes.

Institutional Initiatives

• CIP South Asia Regional Centre is being set up in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, within the Indo-Gangetic Plains – the world’s largest potato-producing region – to strengthen R&D and seed access.
• ICAR’s Wider Biofortification Drive:
  • Released 61 biofortified crop varieties, including 34 field crops (cereals, pulses, millets, oilseeds) and 27 horticultural crops (tubers, vegetables, medicinal plants).
  • Examples:
    • CR Dhan 416: Salinity-resistant rice with pest resistance.
    • Durum Wheat: Rich in zinc (41.1 ppm), iron (38.5 ppm), and 12% protein.

Biofortification: Concept and Importance

• Definition: Enhancing the nutrient content of crops through conventional breeding, agronomic practices, or biotechnology while preserving consumer-preferred traits.
• Examples:
  • Iron-rich: Rice, beans, sweet potato, cassava, legumes.
  • Zinc-rich: Wheat, rice, maize, beans.
  • Vitamin A-rich: Sweet potato, maize, cassava.
  • Protein/amino acid-rich: Sorghum, cassava.

Significance for India

• Public Health: Addresses widespread iron deficiency anemia, especially among women and children.
• Agricultural Sustainability: Promotes nutritionally dense crops without heavy reliance on supplements.
• Policy Alignment: Supports PoshanAbhiyaan, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).
• Economic Benefits: Enhances farmer incomes by creating demand for nutrient-rich crops.