India, with the support of the International Potato Center (CIP), is set to launch bio-fortified potatoes enriched with iron to fight hidden hunger and nutrient deficiencies.
Overview
In a significant move against micronutrient deficiencies and for sustainable agriculture, India will introduce bio-fortified potatoes enriched with iron from the International Potato Center (CIP), Peru. This initiative aims to combat iron deficiency, a major cause of hidden hunger in India, while maintaining taste and stable yields for consumers.
What Are Bio-Fortified Potatoes?
Bio-fortified potatoes are a new variety enriched with higher iron content, developed through conventional breeding and biotechnology methods. They target iron deficiency, particularly in women and children, without compromising taste or yield. The International Potato Center (CIP) is leading this initiative in tuber crop research globally.
Expansion of Bio-Fortified Crops in India
Bio-Fortified Sweet Potatoes
- Vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes are currently cultivated in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha.
- Efforts are ongoing to expand their cultivation to more states in India.
Iron-Fortified Potato Varieties
- Germplasm for iron-rich potatoes has been shared with ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla.
- An iron-rich potato variety released in Peru is undergoing evaluation for Indian agro-climatic conditions.
- The CIP South Asia Regional Centre is being established in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, to support this mission, given the significance of the Indo-Gangetic plains as the largest potato-producing region globally.
Other Biofortified Crops Released by ICAR
India’s ICAR has introduced biofortified seed varieties across 61 crops, including:
- 34 field crops like cereals, pulses, millets, and oilseeds
- 27 horticultural crops such as tubers, vegetables, and medicinal plants
Examples
- CR Dhan 416: A rice variety resistant to salinity and pests
- Durum Wheat: Adapted for irrigated regions; enriched with zinc, iron, and protein
About Biofortification
Biofortification involves increasing vitamin and mineral content in staple crops through conventional breeding, agronomic techniques, and modern biotechnology. It is a successful strategy to alleviate hidden hunger and enhance nutritional security for millions.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams:
- India, in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP), is launching iron-enriched bio-fortified potatoes to address hidden hunger.
- Bio-fortified potatoes are developed to combat iron deficiency without compromising taste or yield.
- ICAR has released biofortified seed varieties across 61 crops to enhance nutritional content in staple foods.
- Biofortification is a proven method to tackle hidden hunger and improve nutritional security.
