As the demand for processed potato products surges, the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla has introduced a new variety of potato specifically tailored for the potato chip industry—Kufri Chipsona-5. This innovative cultivar promises to meet the growing needs of potato processing while enhancing yield and quality for farmers.
Kufri Chipsona-5 has been developed through continuous research at CPRI, where agricultural scientists focus on creating potato varieties that are not only high-yielding but also well-suited for industrial processing. Potatoes rank as the third most important food crop globally, following rice and wheat, making their processing a significant agricultural activity. The need for suitable potato varieties that perform well in various growth conditions and exhibit excellent post-harvest storage capabilities is crucial to meet the demands of the processing industry.
According to Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of CPRI, the Kufri Chipsona-5 variety has been specifically designed to address the increasing industrial demand for quality potatoes. This initiative ensures that processing units have access to a reliable supply of high-quality raw materials. The institute has also partnered with AgriInnovate for a structured licensing process to monitor the distribution of this new variety.
Characteristics of Kufri Chipsona-5
Kufri Chipsona-5 is a medium-maturing variety that can be harvested within 90 to 100 days. This is a notable advantage compared to existing varieties in the market, which often exhibit lower yields and are highly susceptible to late blight. The innovative Kufri Chipsona-5 offers higher productivity and requires lower input costs, making it an attractive option for farmers engaged in potato cultivation.
The cultivar produces oval-shaped tubers with a creamy flesh and shallow eyes, ideal for processing into potato chips. Furthermore, Kufri Chipsona-5 boasts excellent storage capacity, ensuring that the quality remains intact even after prolonged storage. This variety not only provides farmers in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in regions like Una, Kangra, and Sirmaur, with a profitable crop option but also supports the local processing industry.
Kufri Chipsona-5 represents a significant advancement in potato cultivation for the processing sector. Its high yield, disease resistance, and superior processing quality position it as an essential variety for farmers and processors alike. As the potato processing industry continues to expand, Kufri Chipsona-5 offers a promising solution that meets market demands while enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.
