Context: The Director-General of the International Potato Center (CIP), based in Peru, has announced that bio-fortified iron-rich potatoes will soon be available in Indian markets.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: About Bio-fortification; Bio-fortified Potatoes; International Potato Center.
What is Bio-fortification?
- Bio-fortification is a technique of increasing the nutritional value of crops using conventional breeding or biotechnology. E.g., adding iron or vitamins to potatoes.
- It helps tackle hidden hunger especially in poor and rural communities.
Why Bio-fortified Potatoes?
- Potato is the third most consumed food crop in the world after rice and wheat. Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, but naturally low in micronutrients. Iron deficiency is a major concern in India, especially among women and children.
- Bio-fortified iron-rich potatoes are aimed at addressing iron deficiency and hidden hunger. E.g., Sweet potatoes fortified with Vitamin A are already being used in Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha.
About the International Potato Center (CIP)
- CIP is a leading international research organisation focused on tubular crops, especially potatoes and sweet potatoes.
- Headquarters: Peru
- Collaborates with national governments, research bodies, and private stakeholders.
- CIP South Asia Regional Centre to be established in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
