CIP and INIA Scale Up Iron-Rich Biofortified Potatoes to Combat Anemia in Peru

The International Potato Center (CIP) has reached an important milestone in its collaboration with Peru’s National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA): the successful propagation and delivery of 50,000 in vitro plants of biofortified potato varieties, which will be used to produce 1500 tons of certified seed, enough to plant 1000 ha. This achievement marks a significant step toward improving nutrition and reducing anemia in Peru. 

Gabriela Burggos, Research Scientist at International Potato Center:

"The varieties delivered, CIP-Kallpa Yawri and CIP-Puka Yawri, were bred using conventional methods to provide higher iron levels. Recent human studies have demonstrated that the iron in these varieties is highly bioavailable and well absorbed by the human body."

In Peru, anemia is a significant public health challenge, particularly among children and women of reproductive age. These biofortified potatoes are part of a broader strategy to integrate nutrient-rich crops into local farming systems and eventually school feeding programs, ensuring that agricultural innovation translates into healthier diets.

From Lab to Field

Producing these in vitro plants required meticulous work under controlled conditions to ensure optimal growth. Each plantlet was carefully nurtured for 18–25 days in specialized in vitro containers with HEPA filters, reaching a height of 4–6 cm and developing well-formed roots before being packaged for delivery. 

Transporting delicate in vitro plants was no small feat either. CIP’s team implemented strict protocols securing the plant containers in disinfected cardboard boxes and handling them with care to maintain their integrity during transit. The final delivery took place on December 15, followed by a small ceremony with INIA to celebrate this joint achievement. 

Biofortified potato plantlets carefully propagated under controlled laboratory conditions, ready for scaling up into certified seed production across Peru.

Jorge Andrade-Piedra, Research Scientist at CIP:

"This milestone represents two decades of scientific work to breed iron-rich potatoes and the ability to scale up production through strong partnerships like the one we have with INIA. It’s proof that innovation and collaboration can transform agriculture and nutrition."

Looking Ahead

The successful completion of this phase enables scaling up of biofortified potato production across Peru. By integrating these varieties into local farming systems, CIP and INIA aim to reduce anemia and improve dietary diversity, a critical step toward better health for millions.

Officials from CIP and INIA exchange biofortified potato plantlets during a ceremony celebrating two decades of research advancing iron-rich potato varieties for improved nutrition.