INDIAN POTATO PROCESSING VARIETIES: THEIR IMPACT AND FUTURE PRIORITIES

Abstract

The concerted research efforts by the Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla resulted in the release of India’s first two potato processing varieties christened as Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Chipsona-2 in 1998 in a record time of eight years. This was followed by the release of an improved processing variety Kufri Chipsona-3 in 2005 for the Indian plains and first chipping variety Kufri Himsona for hilly region in 2007. These processing varieties produce high yield (>30 t/ha), 21-24% dry matter, <0.1% reducing sugars on fresh tuber weight basis, low phenols and glycoalkaloids, <5% undesirable colour and <15% total defects in chips when grown at different locations in India. The availability of quality raw material of these varieties and standardization of storage techniques for processing potatoes at 10-12^oC with sprout suppressant CIPC [Isopropyl N-3-chlorophenyl carbamate] has changed the entire scenario of potato utilization in India within a short span of 10 years. From the time when the farmers were often forced to throw potatoes on road to the present situation where the processors are ready to pay good premium for processing potatoes. All these varieties are most suitable for crisps and dehydrated products. However, Kufri Chipsona1, due to its oblong tuber shape, is also utilized by the industry for the preparation of French fries in addition to crisps and flakes. The future thrust aims at developing (i) varieties for French fries, (ii) varieties which are resistant to cold sweetening and (iii) short duration crisping varieties. To meet the demand of French fry industries, an advanced hybrid MP/98-71 has been just released as Kufri Frysona by the Institute. Both conventional breeding and biotechnological methods are being used to develop cold chipping varieties. The Institute has developed five short duration crisping hybrids viz., MP/2000-516, MP/01-916, MP/01-1006, MP/01-1142 and MP/02-105, which are under advanced stages of testing and have produced high yield in 75 days.