A PIB backgrounder of 18 October 2026 has highlighted Kufri Jamunia, India’s first purple-fleshed biofortified potato. The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, developed this variety and released it in 2024. Notably, both its skin and flesh are deep purple because of high anthocyanin pigments. Moreover, it contains more vitamin C, zinc and iron than a common potato. Hence, experts see it as a tool against hidden hunger, or micronutrient deficiency.
Nutrient Profile of the Purple Potato
The backgrounder lists striking values per 100 g. For example, the flesh holds 42.05 mg of anthocyanins, while the skin holds 80.66 mg. Also, vitamin C reaches 42.75 mg in the flesh, against 23.15 mg in a common yellow potato. In addition, carotenoids stand at about 161 µg in fresh weight. Similarly, the flesh has 22.77 ppm zinc and 32.23 ppm iron. In comparison, a common potato has only 0.28 mg zinc and 0.57 mg iron per 100 g.
Yield and Field Performance
The new variety is a medium-maturing table potato with oblong tubers and shallow eyes. Under recommended practices, it yields 32–35 tonnes per hectare. Meanwhile, station trials recorded about 49 tonnes per hectare in 90 days. Further, it has a medium dormancy of 6–8 weeks and stores well. ICAR-CPRI recommends it for the North Indian plains, including the plains of Uttarakhand.
Earlier Coloured Potatoes of CPRI
The purple potato builds on two earlier coloured varieties. First, Kufri Neelkanth came in 2018 as CPRI’s first purple-skinned specialty potato. Then, Kufri Manik followed in 2021 with deep red skin and yellow flesh. However, the new variety carries the purple colour into the flesh itself. Also, breeders developed it through conventional breeding, not genetic modification.
About ICAR-CPRI, Shimla
The Central Potato Research Institute works under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Its headquarters is in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Notably, CPRI names its varieties with the prefix “Kufri”, after a place near Shimla.
Kufri Jamunia: Key Facts for Revision
- Developer: ICAR-CPRI, Shimla; released in 2024
- Type: Purple skin, purple flesh, medium-maturing table potato
- Anthocyanins: 42.05 mg/100 g (flesh); 80.66 mg/100 g (skin)
- Vitamin C: 42.75 mg/100 g
- Minerals: Zinc 22.77 ppm; iron 32.23 ppm
- Earlier varieties: Kufri Neelkanth (2018), Kufri Manik (2021)
Why Kufri Jamunia Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, biofortified crops and hidden hunger are frequent prelims themes. So, remember the developer, the anthocyanin values and the earlier coloured varieties. Also, link this variety with India’s push for nutrition security. For official updates, also visit ICAR-CPRI. Next, for a related story, read about India’s record foodgrain production.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.