Bio-fortified potatoes

India’s introduction of bio-fortified potatoes is a major development in tackling micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron deficiency, which is a significant public health issue. These potatoes, enriched with higher iron content, are part of a broader initiative led by the International Potato Center (CIP), based in Peru.

Key Points:

1. Bio-Fortified Potatoes:

   • These potatoes are enriched using conventional breeding and biotechnology to have higher iron levels, which will help combat iron deficiency and hidden hunger. Importantly, the taste and yield of the potatoes remain unchanged.

   • This variety was developed with the aim of improving the nutritional quality of a widely consumed staple, making it easier for people, especially in rural India, to get the nutrients they need.

   Bio-Fortified Sweet Potatoes:

   • Apart from potatoes, bio-fortified sweet potatoes, enriched with Vitamin A, are already being distributed in states like Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha. These efforts are being expanded to more farmers across India.

   • Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is crucial for eye health and immune function, especially for children and pregnant women.

   Collaboration with ICAR:

   • The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), based in Shimla, is actively involved in evaluating and adapting these bio-fortified potato varieties to India’s agro-climatic conditions.

   • Germplasm (genetic material) has already been shared, and a variety has already been released in Peru and is now undergoing evaluation in India.

   South Asia Regional Centre:

   • The CIP is setting up a South Asia regional center in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, which will focus on promoting research and development (R&D) in bio-fortified crops. The Indo-Gangetic plains, known for being the world’s largest potato-producing region, is a key area for this initiative.

   • This will help improve access to high-quality seeds and bolster regional agricultural research.

   Broader Biofortification Efforts:

   • India’s efforts go beyond just potatoes. The ICAR has already released biofortified seed varieties for 61 crops, including field crops (rice, pulses, millets) and horticultural crops (vegetables, tubers, medicinal plants). Examples include:

     • CR Dhan 416, a salinity-resistant rice variety.

     • Durum wheat, which is rich in zinc and iron, and adapted to irrigated areas.

   The Concept of Biofortification:

   • Biofortification refers to the process of enhancing the nutrient content of staple crops through traditional breeding techniques, agronomic methods, or modern biotechnology.

   • This method is particularly important in regions where nutrient deficiencies are common, as it enables the crops to naturally provide higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals.

Impact

• Health Benefits: This initiative addresses the critical issue of micronutrient deficiencies, which can lead to serious health problems such as anemia, stunted growth, and weak immunity. By enhancing the nutrient content of everyday crops like potatoes, India can potentially reduce the public health burden related to these deficiencies.

• Agricultural Sustainability: Biofortified crops are also designed to be adapted to local agro-climatic conditions, making them more resilient and sustainable for farmers. This means that farmers can grow these crops with little to no additional input while improving nutrition.

• Economic and Social Impact: By providing better access to nutritionally enriched crops, especially in rural and underserved areas, this could help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for millions of people, particularly children and women.