ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) has developed a new biofortified sweet potato variety, SP-95/4. This orange-fleshed, pink-skinned tuber has successfully completed final trials in states including Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Kerala. This marks a major advancement in enhancing food security in tribal regions.
Key Highlights of Variety SP-95/4
Bumper Yield in Kerala:
- In Kerala’s Attappady tribal region, the new variety delivered exceptional yields.
- Trial conducted under the collaboration of ICAR-CTCRI’s Rainbow Diet Programme and Kudumbashree’s ‘Punarjeevanam’ initiative.
Nutritional Benefits:
- The sweet potato boasts vibrant orange flesh rich in 8 mg of Beta-carotene per 100g, helping combat vitamin A deficiency.
- Tubers have an average weight of 300 grams and a fusiform shape, making them ideal for processing and commercial use.
Expansion Plans:
- Following successful trials, plans are underway to scale up cultivation in Attappady to 100 acres by the end of 2025.
- Expected to bolster food security and generate new income opportunities for local farmers.
Rainbow Diet Programme:
- Launched in 2023 to promote biofortified tubers among tribal communities.
- Expanded under ‘Punarjeevanam’ in 2024 to address malnutrition and support balanced dietary practices.
Economic & Public Health Impact:
- The biofortified sweet potato offers a sustainable solution to nutritional insecurity.
- Supports public health initiatives by providing a rich source of vitamin A and other essential nutrients.
Significance
Food Security & Nutrition Enhancement: The introduction of SP-95/4 is a significant step towards ensuring food security and improving nutritional outcomes in tribal areas.
Economic Benefits for Farmers: Large-scale cultivation is expected to create new income opportunities and boost local economies, particularly in Kerala’s tribal regions.
Sustainable Agricultural Innovation: This initiative underscores the role of innovative, biofortified crops in tackling malnutrition and enhancing the overall health of communities.