India Notifies Two New ICAR-CPRI Potato Varieties: Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby to Boost Disease-Resistant Farming

The Government of India has officially notified two improved potato varieties developed by the ICAR Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR CPRI), Shimla, namely Kufri Abhedya and Kufri Ruby, for commercial cultivation. The notification, published in the Gazette of India on July 8, 2026, enables the production, certification, and sale of quality seed of these varieties in their recommended regions, marking an important advancement in Indian potato research and agriculture.

The newly approved varieties are expected to improve potato productivity, strengthen disease management, and provide better market opportunities for growers by offering climate-resilient and market-oriented cultivation options.

Kufri Abhedya Brings Dual Disease Resistance for Hill Potato Growers

Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of CPRI, Shimla:

"The release of the two varieties reflects India's continued focus on developing potato cultivars with improved resilience, disease resistance, and commercial value. He added that the notification will strengthen the national quality seed system, support faster adoption of improved technologies, and contribute to higher farm productivity and farmer incomes."

The approval of Kufri Abhedya holds special importance for Himachal Pradesh, where potato is a major cash crop supporting thousands of hill farmers. The variety has been recommended for cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, northeastern hill regions, Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu, and plateau regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Dr. Salej Sood, Senior Scientist at ICAR Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR CPRI), Shimla:

"Kufri Abhedya is a medium-maturing table potato variety that matures in 110–120 days and produces 25–30 tonnes per hectare under kharif conditions. The variety combines high productivity with resistance to late blight and potato cyst nematodes (PCN), two major constraints affecting potato production in Indian hill regions."

Kufri Abhedya is the first high-yielding Indian potato variety with resistance to both PCN species, providing an environmentally sustainable solution that can help reduce crop losses and dependence on chemical plant protection measures. Its yellow-skinned tubers with pink splashes, cream-coloured flesh, and good keeping quality make it suitable for table potato markets.

Kufri Ruby Targets Growing Baby Potato Market

The second notified variety, Kufri Ruby, has been developed to meet the increasing demand for baby potatoes in Indian markets. The medium-maturing specialty variety delivers 23–25 tonnes per hectare and produces nearly 60% baby-sized tubers within 90 days, making it suitable for premium fresh markets, food processors, and the hospitality sector. 

Kufri Ruby has been recommended for cultivation across major potato-growing states, including Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.&

Kufri Ruby, a newly notified ICAR-CPRI potato variety developed for the growing baby potato market, produces nearly 60% baby-sized tubers within 90 days and is recommended for cultivation across major potato-growing states in India.

The notification of Kufri Abhedya is expected to significantly benefit Himachal Pradesh potato farmers by improving crop sustainability, reducing disease-related losses, and enhancing profitability. With its combination of high yield potential, disease resistance, and superior tuber quality, the variety is expected to further strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s role as a leading producer of quality seed and table potatoes in India.