India approves two new potato varieties for cultivation to boost yields, disease resistance
The institute has also developed seed production protocols to ensure rapid multiplication and distribution to growers across the country.
INDIA – India has approved two new potato varieties, Kufri Mohan and Kufri Uday, for commercial cultivation, offering farmers improved yields and enhanced resistance to late blight disease.
The varieties were developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) and approved by the Central Seed Committee for release in multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Punjab.
To begin with, Kufri Mohan matures in 70-75 days, enabling early harvest and better market prices, while Kufri Uday produces high tuber yields with excellent storage characteristics.
Furthermore, both varieties demonstrate strong resistance to late blight, a fungal disease that can cause significant crop losses if left uncontrolled. Kufri Uday performs well in high-temperature conditions, making it adaptable to climate variability across India’s potato-growing regions.
According to ICAR-CPRI Director Dr. V.K. Gupta, the new varieties represent a significant advancement in potato breeding. “These varieties will help farmers achieve higher productivity while reducing dependence on chemical fungicides,” he stated. The institute has also developed seed production protocols to ensure rapid multiplication and distribution to growers across the country.
Additionally, initial trials have shown that Kufri Mohan yields between 35 and 40 tonnes per hectare, substantially exceeding the national average of 25 tonnes per hectare. Kufri Uday has shown similar performance, with yields reaching 38 tonnes per hectare under optimal conditions. These productivity gains translate into higher farmers’ incomes and improved food security for India’s growing population.
More importantly, the approval aligns with India’s broader strategy to modernize its agricultural sector and reduce post-harvest losses.
Potato is a critical crop for India, with annual production exceeding 50 million tonnes, making India the second-largest producer globally. Enhanced disease resistance and improved processing quality will strengthen India’s position in domestic and export markets.
Looking ahead, ICAR-CPRI plans to continue developing varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles and greater climate resilience. The institute is also working to improve post-harvest handling and storage technologies to reduce losses. Farmers will receive training through agricultural extension programmes on best practices for cultivating these new varieties.
Finally, this approval represents a significant step toward building a more productive, sustainable, and resilient potato sector in India.
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