Meet the Purple Potato: A New Variety Offering Farmers High Earnings

CPRI Introduces New Purple Potato Variety to Boost Farmers’ Income in Western UP.

In a significant development for agriculture in western Uttar Pradesh, the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Modipuram has unveiled 76 distinct potato varieties, including the innovative Kufri Chipsona-5, which promises high yields and excellent taste. Researchers highlight that some potato varieties developed at the institute can even grow in air, showcasing cutting-edge techniques in potato cultivation.

Traditionally known for sugarcane farming, western Uttar Pradesh is gradually diversifying into potatoes. Scientists at CPRI suggest that integrating potato cultivation with sugarcane could significantly increase farmers’ earnings due to rising demand for quality potato seeds and produce.

Kufri Chipsona-5: Tailored for Chips and High Yields
Kufri Chipsona-5 is specifically designed for chip production. According to Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Director of CPRI, the variety matures in 90–100 days and can yield 300–350 quintals per hectare. “The tubers are white and cream-colored, contain 21% dry matter, and just 100mg of sugar per 100g, making them ideal for both consumption and processing,” he explained.

Developed after years of research, this variety is suitable for cultivation across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. Experts believe Kufri Chipsona-5 will not only boost farmers’ incomes but also enhance the quality of potatoes in markets, especially for chip production.

Focus on Storage and Longevity
Dr. Kumar emphasized that the institute’s potato varieties are designed for longevity and storage stability, addressing one of the key challenges in potato supply chains. “So far, CPRI has developed 76 varieties, each with unique characteristics to meet diverse agricultural and consumer needs,” he noted.