The Government of India has notified two new potato varieties—Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby—developed by ICAR-CPRI, Shimla. The move is expected to improve productivity, disease resistance and market opportunities for farmers.
Centre Notifies Two Improved Potato Varieties
In a significant development for Indian agriculture and potato research, the Government of India has officially notified two improved potato varieties developed by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI), Shimla—Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby.
The notification, published in the Gazette of India on July 8, 2026, allows the production, certification and commercial sale of quality seeds of the two varieties in their recommended regions. The move is expected to enhance productivity, strengthen disease management and create better market opportunities for potato growers across the country.
The development is being seen as a major breakthrough, particularly for farmers in Himachal Pradesh, where potato cultivation remains one of the most important agricultural activities.
Focus on Climate-Resilient and Disease-Resistant Crops
Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR-CPRI, Shimla, said the release of the two varieties reflects India’s commitment to developing climate-resilient, disease-resistant and market-oriented potato cultivars.
According to him, the official notification will strengthen the national quality seed system, accelerate the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies and contribute to higher productivity and farm incomes.
He noted that the achievement is especially important for Himachal Pradesh, where thousands of farmers depend on potato cultivation as a key source of livelihood.
Kufri Abhedya to Benefit Hill Farmers
Among the newly notified varieties, Kufri Abhedya has been specifically recommended for cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the hill regions of northeastern states, the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu and plateau regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Dr. Salej Sood, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CPRI, described Kufri Abhedya as a medium-maturing table potato variety that matures in 110 to 120 days and yields between 25 and 30 tonnes per hectare under kharif conditions.
The variety represents a significant scientific advancement as it combines high productivity with resistance to late blight and potato cyst nematodes (PCN), two of the most damaging diseases affecting potato crops in India’s hill regions.
Kufri Abhedya is the first high-yielding potato variety in the country to possess resistance to both PCN species. Scientists believe this will help farmers reduce crop losses and lower dependence on chemical plant-protection measures.
The variety also features attractive yellow-skinned tubers with pink splashes, cream-coloured flesh and good storage qualities, making it suitable for table consumption.
Kufri Ruby Targets the Growing Baby Potato Market
The second variety, Kufri Ruby, has been developed to cater to the rapidly expanding baby potato market in India’s plains.
Dr. Sood explained that the medium-maturing specialty potato yields between 23 and 25 tonnes per hectare and produces nearly 60 per cent of its crop as baby potatoes within 90 days.
The variety has been designed to meet the demands of premium fresh produce markets, food-processing companies and the hospitality sector.
Kufri Ruby has been recommended for cultivation across several major potato-growing states, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra.
Boost for Farmers and the Potato Sector
Agricultural experts believe that the notification of Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby will strengthen India’s potato sector by improving productivity and ensuring access to high-quality seeds.
The introduction of disease-resistant and market-focused varieties is expected to support sustainable farming practices, reduce input costs and increase profitability for farmers.
For Himachal Pradesh, where potato cultivation forms an integral part of the rural economy, the launch of Kufri Abhedya offers new opportunities to improve yields and enhance farmers’ incomes.
Key Takeaways
- The Government of India has notified two new potato varieties: Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby.
- Both varieties were developed by ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla.
- Kufri Abhedya is resistant to late blight and potato cyst nematodes.
- Kufri Ruby has been developed for the growing baby potato market.
- The notification enables seed production, certification and sale across recommended regions.
FAQs
Which new potato varieties have been notified by the government?
The government has notified Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby, developed by ICAR-CPRI, Shimla.
Why is Kufri Abhedya important?
Kufri Abhedya is resistant to late blight and potato cyst nematodes and has been recommended for hill regions, including Himachal Pradesh.
What is special about Kufri Ruby?
Kufri Ruby produces a high proportion of baby potatoes and is suitable for premium markets and food processing.
How will farmers benefit from these varieties?
The new varieties are expected to improve yields, reduce crop losses, strengthen disease management and increase farmers’ incomes.
