Biofortified Potatoes

Prelims - Current events of national and international importance | General science

Why in news?

India is set to introduce iron-rich bio-fortified potatoes, developed by the International Potato Center (CIP).

Biofortification is a process of enhancing the nutritional quality of edible plant parts and animal products.

Bio-fortified potatoes are an improved variety with increased iron content, developed through conventional breeding and biotechnology.
Aim - To help combat iron deficiency and hidden hunger.
Developed by - Peru-based International Potato Centre (CIP).
Biofortified sweet potatoes enriched with vitamin A were developed using technology created by the CIP.
They are already available in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Agreement –CIP and the Agriculture Ministry signed an agreement to set up the South Asia regional centre of the CIP in Agra.
The focus was on iron fortification of potatoes, and the germplasm was shared with ICAR's Central Potato Research Institute in Shimla.

Other biofortified Crops in India were Rice CR Dhan 310, Sweet potato (Bhu sana), Pearl millet (HHB 229).

Quick facts

International Potato Center (CIP)

The International Potato Center (CIP) was founded in 1971 as a research for development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers.
It delivers innovative science-based solutions to enhance access to affordable nutritious food, foster inclusive sustainable business and employment growth, and drive the climate resilience of root and tuber agri-food systems.
Headquartered - Lima, Peru.
CIP has a research presence in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
CIP is a Consultative group for international agriculture research (CGIAR) center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

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