Kufri Garima is a high-performing table potato variety developed by the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Modipuram, through a strategic hybridization program initiated in 1997–98. Designed to overcome the limitations of existing varieties like Kufri Bahar, Kufri Garima combines superior yield potential, excellent disease resistance—especially against late blight—and impressive tuber quality. Its wide adaptability across the Indo-Gangetic plains and plateau regions makes it a reliable choice for farmers seeking enhanced productivity, better market returns, and sustainable cultivation.
Kufri Garima: Parentage and Trait Inheritance
Kufri Garima was developed through the crossbreeding of two strong parental lines, each contributing valuable traits. The female parent, PH/F-1045, is known for producing white, ovoid tubers with medium-depth eyes and possesses foliage resistance to late blight.
The male parent, MS/82-638, contributes yellow, oblong tubers with shallow eyes and similar resistance to late blight. This cross effectively combined the desirable characteristics of both parents, resulting in Kufri Garima—a variety that exhibits high yield potential, resistance to late blight, and superior tuber quality.
Agronomic Practices for Optimum Yield
-
Planting Window: Mid-October to early November (north-central plains)
-
Seed Rate: 35–40 quintals per hectare
-
Spacing: 20 cm between plants, 60 cm between rows
-
Fertilization: 238 kg nitrogen, 49 kg phosphorus, and 155 kg potassium per hectare
-
Pest and Disease Control: Use of Thimet during earthing-up, followed by foliar sprays of Oxy-demeton methyl or Imidacloprid for effective insect management
Region-Specific Suitability
Kufri Garima is well-suited to a variety of agro-climatic zones, making it highly adaptable across different regions. In the Indo-Gangetic Plains, it ensures high productivity in major potato-growing areas. The variety also thrives in the Northern Plains, particularly in regions like Hissar, Jalandhar, Modipuram, and Pantnagar. In the Central and Eastern Plains, high yields have been reported in areas such as Deesa, Raipur, Faizabad, Kanpur, and Patna. Additionally, Kufri Garima is well-adapted to plateau regions like Dharwad, Hassan, and Pune, where it performs successfully in both the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
Why Kufri Garima is a Game-Changer
1. Higher Yield and Income
Yields 35–40 t/ha, outperforming older varieties like Kufri Bahar by 20–29%. This directly translates into better profitability for farmers.
2. Resistance to Late Blight
Field resistance significantly lowers dependency on fungicides, cutting down input costs and improving sustainability.
3. Desirable Tuber Qualities
Light yellow skin and flesh with shallow eyes improve visual appeal and reduce waste during peeling. Tubers don’t discolor after cooking, making them ideal for multiple culinary uses.
4. Longer Storability
Remains firm and market-ready for over 90 days under ambient storage, reducing post-harvest losses.
5. Adaptability to Farming Systems
Performs well under a range of growing conditions and standard agronomic practices, benefiting small and large-scale farms alike.
Nutritional and Culinary Value of Kufri Garima
Kufri Garima holds significant nutritional and culinary value, making it a versatile choice for various dietary needs. Its high carbohydrate content makes it an energy-rich food, well-suited for energy-intensive diets. With a balanced dry matter content ranging from 18 to 20.7%, it is ideal for boiling, frying, and general cooking.
The variety also boasts excellent storage capacity, helping retain essential vitamins and minerals over time. Additionally, it is rich in potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, offering multiple health benefits including support for heart health, improved immunity, and better digestion.
Release and Official Approval
Following successful multi-location trials from 2007–2011, Kufri Garima was recommended for cultivation during the 29th AICRP Potato Group Meeting (Raipur, 2011) and officially released in July 2012 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.
