Background:
Potato is the third most important food crop in the world after rice and wheat. Potatoes originated in Andes, more specifically along Titicaca lake of Peru and Bolivia in South America. In India, potato was introduced in the beginning of 17th century, most probably by the Portuguese traders or British missionaries. India is now producing 48 million tonnes of potatoes from an area of 2.13 million ha with an average productivity of 22.5 t/ha and is the 2nd largest producer after China. ICAR-CPRI has developed 60 varieties suitable for varied agro-ecologies of India. Potato varieties developed by ICAR-CPRI occupy>94% of total potato area of the country. Besides, some of them have also gained popularity in many other countries. In present scenario, there is an increasing demand of potatoes for processing industry, as only 6-8% potatoes are processed in India compared to >50% in Europe and US. Keeping in view the same, ICAR-CPRI, Shimla has developed, Kufri Fryo (MP/04-578) exhibiting excellent processing traits for French fries with early maturity compared to already developed variety, Kufri Frysona which would certainly meet out the requirement of processing industries. Technology Details:
KufriFryoM (MP/04-578) is a early maturing, main season , high yielding processing potato variety suitable for cultivation in north west and central plains or similar agro-ecologies. It is a clonal selection from a cross between Kufri Chipsona-1 × MP/92-35. The plants are tall with vigorous and semi-compact canopy and field resistance to late blight. It produces white cream oblong tubers with shallow eyes and white flesh. It possesses very good keeping quality and moderate tuber dry matter (20%) and low reducing sugar (<150 mg/100). The variety yields 30-35 t/ha and >80% processing grade tubers. Till date French fry processors had no other option than to opt for exotic processing varieties and thereby paying the huge royalties. Therefore, the efforts were made to develop an indigenous early maturing French fry variety. It will offer the profitable business opportunities in domestic and international markets.