India clears four new potato varieties for certified seed use across the country
The approval opens the door for wider access to new table and processing potatoes developed by ICAR for different growing regions.
INDIA – India has approved four new potato varieties for certified seed production and use across the country, a move that officials say will support both fresh consumption and processing needs.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare confirmed that the Central Seed Committee has cleared Kufri Ratan, Kufri Tejas, Kufri Chipbharat-1 and Kufri Chipbharat-2 for nationwide seed multiplication. The decision allows public and private seed programmes to include the varieties and supply them to farmers in key potato areas.
“The notification allows these varieties to enter formal seed systems and reach growers across potato-producing regions,” the ministry said.
Two of the four varieties target the table potato market. Kufri Ratan matures in about 90 days and suits the north Indian plains and plateau regions. The variety delivers reported yields of 37 to 39 tonnes per hectare and has red skin, uniform tubers and good storage capacity.
Kufri Tejas also matures in around 90 days and performs well under higher temperatures. Farmers can grow it in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Yield figures range from 37 to 40 tonnes per hectare, with stable storage performance under normal conditions.
“These varieties respond to local climate and cropping needs while maintaining yield and storage quality,” an official at the ICAR Central Potato Research Institute said.
Support for processors
The remaining two varieties aim to meet processing demand, especially from chip makers. Kufri Chipbharat-1 matures in about 100 days and produces yields of 35 to 38 tonnes per hectare. It contains around 21 percent dry matter and low reducing sugars, which helps achieve clear colour during frying.
Kufri Chipbharat-2 matures earlier, at about 90 days, with yields of 35 to 37 tonnes per hectare. Like Kufri Chipbharat-1, it offers high dry matter and low sugar levels, along with storage traits that help processors maintain steady raw material supply.
“The processing varieties meet quality standards required by industry while fitting into existing farm systems,” ICAR CPRI said.
According to ICAR CPRI, breeders developed the four varieties to suit different production zones and market uses, with attention on yield stability and crop performance. The notification now allows seed agencies to multiply and distribute them at scale.
The approval follows other recent steps by agricultural authorities to strengthen certified seed availability and improve access to improved planting material. Officials say these efforts aim to raise farm output and support value chains without adding pressure on growers.
With the latest clearance, farmers across India can expect wider access to new potato seeds ahead of upcoming planting seasons, while processors gain more choice in sourcing suitable raw material.
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