Kufri Ganga is an advanced potato variety developed through a strategic hybridization process at the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Modipuram, Meerut, in 2005. The cross was made between the female parent MS/82-638 and the male parent Kufri Gaurav, combining the strengths of both parents. MS/82-638 contributes its field resistance to late blight and yellow-fleshed tubers, while Kufri Gaurav enhances nitrogen-use efficiency and yields white-cream tubers with medium-deep eyes.
Following extensive testing across various agro-climatic regions, Kufri Ganga was officially recognized and released in 2019 for its high yield, resilience to water stress, and excellent storage and culinary qualities.
Agronomic Management and Planting Guidelines
1. Planting: Mid-October to early November; 35-40 q/ha seed rate, 40-60 g tuber size.
2. Spacing: 20 cm between plants, 60 cm row spacing for optimal tuber size.
3. Nutrient Management:
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Seed Crop: 175 kg N, 80 kg P₂O₅, 100 kg K₂O/ha (Half N + full P & K at planting, rest N at earthing-up).
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Ware Crop: 261 kg N, 80 kg P₂O₅, 132 kg K₂O/ha (regional recommendations vary).
4. Irrigation: Suitable for mild and severe water stress conditions.
5. Pest Control:
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Cutworms, grubs, caterpillars: Cartap Hydrochloride 4G @ 20 kg/ha at earthing-up.
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Sucking pests: Yellow sticky traps (60/ha), Imidacloprid 0.04% seed treatment, two sprays (Imidacloprid 0.03% + Thiamethoxam 0.05%).
Recommended Regions for Kufri Ganga
Kufri Ganga is well-suited for cultivation in the North Indian plains, where potatoes are traditionally grown under short winter-day conditions from October to February/March. Based on multi-location trials under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato (AICRP on Potato), Kufri Ganga has demonstrated consistent high yields and adaptability in the following regions:
1. Northern Plains: Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
2. Central Plains: Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh
3. Eastern Plains: Odisha, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal
What Makes Kufri Ganga Special
Kufri Ganga stands out due to its impressive yield potential and superior marketability. Capable of producing tonnes per hectare under optimal agronomic conditions, it yields over 90% marketable tubers, ensuring higher profitability for farmers.
The variety has shown exceptional performance even under water-deficit conditions, proving to be drought-tolerant and resilient to late blight. Its white-cream, ovoid tubers with shallow eyes offer excellent storage potential, with minimal weight loss and medium dormancy, making it ideal for short-term storage. Kufri Ganga's culinary quality is also noteworthy, offering a desirable mealy texture and good peelability.
Adaptability, Storage, and Nutritional Value
Kufri Ganga's medium maturity allows it to flourish in short winter-day conditions, making it a reliable option for regions with limited growing seasons. Its medium dormancy of over 8 weeks ensures that it retains its nutritional integrity and culinary qualities during storage, offering extended shelf life without refrigeration. Nutritionally, Kufri Ganga is a rich source of complex carbohydrates, potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, contributing to sustained energy and overall health.
Release and Official Recognition
It underwent multi-location testing from 2012 to 2017 under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato (AICRP on Potato), demonstrating superior yield and resistance to late blight. Based on its performance, it was recommended for release in the 34th AICRP Potato Group Meeting (2017) and later notified by the Government of India via Gazette Notification S.O. No. 692(E) on 05.02.2019.
Kufri Ganga was developed to address the demand for high-yielding, drought-tolerant potatoes with excellent keeping quality and marketability. Its white-cream, ovoid tubers with shallow eyes make it appealing to both farmers and consumers. With high dormancy (over 8 weeks) and low storage weight loss, Kufri Ganga offers significant economic advantages to small and marginal farmers who do not have access to cold storage facilities.
