Why in news
- ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) developed biofortified purple potato varieties, notably Kufri Jamunia, to address micronutrient deficiencies.
Key terms
Biofortification
Process of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value through genetic or agronomic means.
Hidden Hunger
Form of nutrition deficiency where individuals consume enough calories but lack vital micronutrients.
Anthocyanin
Water-soluble vacuolar pigment responsible for red, purple, or blue colors in plants with antioxidant properties.
Conventional Fortification
Process of manually adding vitamins and minerals to food products during processing.
What is Biofortification and Kufri Jamunia?
- Biofortification enhances the nutritional content of crops during plant growth via conventional breeding or agronomic practices rather than post-harvest processing.
- Kufri Jamunia is a purple-fleshed potato cultivar rich in anthocyanins, Vitamin C, iron, and zinc, designed to provide essential micronutrients through a common staple food.
Addressing Hidden Hunger
- Hidden hunger occurs when calorie consumption is adequate but essential vitamins and minerals are deficient in the daily diet.
- Biofortified staples offer a sustainable public health approach to combat micronutrient malnutrition across low-income demographics without requiring diet alteration.
Prelims facts
- Biofortification builds nutrients directly into crops prior to harvest unlike post-processing fortification.
Mains discussion
- Role of biofortified staple crops in ensuring sustainable food and nutritional security.
Source: PIB English
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2025 · Q24 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements about turmeric during the year 2022-23: I. India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric in the world. II. More than 30 varieties of turmeric are grown in India. III. Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are major turmeric producing States in India. Which of the statements given above are correct? -
2019 · Q57 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board. 3. Plant varieties are not eligible in the patented in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2017 · Q45 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of 'genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future? 1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. 2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. 3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2016 · Q27 · General Studies · 2 marks
The FAO accords the status of 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)' to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? 1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity. 2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities. 3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS. Select the correct answer using the code given below