New potato variety with superior heat tolerance released in India

Potato farmers in India can expect higher yields and profits with the release of a new variety, Kufri Lima. Developed in collaboration with the International Potato Center (CIP for its acronym in Spanish) and the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Kufri Lima, proved to be both early, heat tolerant and virus resistant, preferred traits by local farmers. It is the first CIP clone recommended for release in India. Earlier CIP germplasm was crossed with CPRI parents resulting in the release of eight varieties since 1975. According to Mohinder Kadian, a CIP Regional Research Scientist based out of New Delhi, earlier planting is possible with Kufri Lima due to its heat tolerance, giving farmers the ability to sell their potatoes at a premium price before other varieties hit the market. Other farmers have to wait for temperatures to cool down before they can plant. More