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અર્થતંત્રGS3
GS3

Nutrient-Rich Purple Potato and Agricultural Biofortification

Source:PIB ↗

આ શા માટે મહત્વનું છે

This topic is critical for GS3 (Agriculture & Food Security) as it highlights innovation in crop varieties, biofortification to address malnutrition (hidden hunger), and agricultural diversification toward functional foods.

સારાંશ

The article discusses India's development and promotion of nutrient-rich purple potato varieties, highlighting their high antioxidant content, health benefits, and role in enhancing nutritional security and agricultural diversification through biofortification.

મુખ્ય મુદ્દા

  • India has developed nutrient-rich purple potato varieties packed with anthocyanins and antioxidants, offering significant health benefits.
  • These biofortified potatoes help combat hidden hunger and nutritional security challenges by providing essential micronutrients alongside staple food consumption.
  • Research by institutions like CPRI/ICAR highlights India's focus on agricultural diversification and functional foods.

મહત્વપૂર્ણ શબ્દો

ICAR

The apex body coordinating agricultural research and education in India, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

UPSC context

UPSC Prelims/Mains (GS Paper III): Important for questions on institutional frameworks for agricultural research, innovation, and food security in India.

Source
Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI)

A premier national institute under ICAR dedicated exclusively to potato research, breeding, and disease-free seed production, headquartered in Shimla.

UPSC context

UPSC Prelims: Tests knowledge of specialized agricultural research institutions, crop varieties, and technology deployment under ICAR.

Source

સંલગ્ન સ્થિર ખ્યાલો

Agriculture and Food Security

What is biofortification and how does it differ from conventional food fortification?

  • Breeding vs Processing: Breeding approach involves breeding crops to increase their nutritional value, either through conventional selective breeding or genetic engineering.
  • Inherent Enrichment: Inherent enrichment means nutrients are accumulated within the plant tissues during growth, unlike post-harvest fortification where nutrients are added during processing.
  • Targeted Impact: Targeted impact specifically addresses micronutrient malnutrition (hidden hunger) among vulnerable rural populations dependent on staple diets.

આંતર-વિષય પેટર્ન

  • Biofortification and National Nutrition Security

    Biofortification initiatives by ICAR bridge agricultural productivity with national health targets under POSHAN Abhiyaan to tackle hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies.

  • Crop Diversification & Climate Resilience

    Breeding climate-resilient and nutrient-dense potato varieties (like Kufri Jamunia) directly supports agricultural diversification away from water-guzzling cereals in non-traditional potato belts.

Biofortification of staples (potatoes, millets) via ICAR-CPRI will likely feature in a multi-statement match-the-variety prelims question.

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 1

સંલગ્ન PYQ · 1

  • 2021MainsGS3

    What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?