Harvesting hope: Four new potato varieties aim to increase yields, profits for farmers

In a major step to strengthen India’s potato sector, the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has officially approved four new potato varieties developed by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla. These varieties — Kufri Ratan, Kufri Tejas, Kufri Chipbharat-1 and Kufri Chipbharat-2 — have been released for agricultural use, seed production, multiplication and industrial processing across several states and union territories, following the recommendations of the Central Seed Committee.

The newly released varieties are designed to serve both table consumption and industrial processing needs, while ensuring higher yields, climate resilience and better profitability for farmers. Kufri Ratan is a medium-maturing variety with a duration of about 90 days, suited for wide adaptability in the North Indian plains and plateau regions. It yields between 37 and 39 tonnes per hectare and produces attractive dark red, ovoid tubers with yellow flesh, shallow to medium eyes and excellent storability, making it ideal for farmers and market supply chains. Kufri Tejas, another medium-maturing variety, is heat tolerant and provides yields of 37 to 40 tonnes per hectare. It is recommended for early-season cultivation in northern states such as Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as for the main season in central and western states like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. This variety produces white cream tubers with white flesh and its high storability under ambient conditions enhances its utility for table consumption.

The other two varieties, Kufri Chipbharat-1 and Kufri Chipbharat-2, have been specifically developed for chip processing. Kufri Chipbharat-1 matures in about 100 days and produces high yields ranging from 35 to 38 tonnes per hectare. It delivers round, white cream tubers with shallow eyes, white flesh and a high dry matter content of about 21 per cent. With low reducing sugars and excellent storability, it ensures acceptable chip colour, making it valuable for the processing industry. Kufri Chipbharat-2 is an early-maturing variety that reaches harvest in around 90 days, with yields between 35 and 37 tonnes per hectare. It is also widely adaptable and produces white cream, ovoid tubers with cream flesh and shallow-medium eyes. With high dry matter and low reducing sugars, it guarantees desirable chip quality and is suitable for processing across multiple states, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Both Chipbharat varieties will be licensed to potato seed producers and processors, ensuring the food industry benefits from a consistent supply of high-quality raw material.

Speaking on the achievement, Dr Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR-CPRI, said the notification marks not only a scientific breakthrough but also a celebration for farmers, researchers and the potato-based food industry. He highlighted that the new varieties would enhance productivity, improve processing efficiency and ensure better returns for growers. Dr Salej Sood, Potato Breeder at ICAR-CPRI, remarked that the release reflects the institute’s continued commitment to region-specific, farmer-centric innovations. Dr Alok Kumar, Head of Social Sciences, added that the varieties are designed to provide high-yielding, climate-resilient options for farmers while also meeting the raw material demands of the processing industry, thereby strengthening farmer-industry linkages and boosting rural incomes.