Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is an important potato growing state in central India, with production concentrated particularly in the Malwa and adjoining plateau regions. The state’s relatively cool and dry rabi season provides suitable conditions for potato cultivation, while areas around Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Shajapur, Gwalior, Chhindwara, Tikamgarh and other districts contribute to the crop. The North Central Plains potato production zone also includes several Madhya Pradesh districts, reflecting the state’s broad adaptation for both table and processing potatoes.

The Malwa region, particularly Indore and Ujjain, has developed a strong position in processing potato production. Research by the Central Potato Research Institute identified Malwa as an important source of potatoes for the processing industry, initially relying on varieties such as Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Lauvkar and later adopting processing varieties including Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2 and Kufri Chipsona-3. Field evaluations at Indore have demonstrated the suitability of Chipsona varieties for processing, with high dry matter and acceptable chip quality.

Madhya Pradesh therefore has a diversified potato sector serving both fresh consumption and processing markets. Varieties grown in the state include Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Lauvkar, Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2, Kufri Chipsona-3, Kufri Pukhraj, Kufri Chandramukhi and Kufri Sindhuri. The state has also been identified as an important adaptation area for newer varieties; for example, ICAR-CPRI lists heat tolerant Kufri Tejas among the varieties suitable for Madhya Pradesh, while newer processing varieties are being developed for Indian plains.

Potato cultivation in Madhya Pradesh expanded substantially as improved varieties and production technologies became available for the central Indian plains and plateau regions. The development and adoption of varieties such as Kufri Jyoti, Kufri Lauvkar and Kufri Chandramukhi helped establish potato production for the fresh market. During the development of the state's potato industry, Indore and Ujjain emerged as important production areas, particularly because their agro-climatic conditions allowed potatoes to be grown during the rabi season.

The subsequent growth of potato processing created a major shift in the region. During the 1990s and early 2000s, CPRI research focused on developing varieties specifically suited to processing requirements, leading to the introduction and testing of Kufri Chipsona-1, Kufri Chipsona-2 and later Kufri Chipsona-3. Studies conducted at Indore showed the potential of these varieties for chips and other processed products, while CPRI later developed additional processing varieties, including Kufri Chipsona-4 and Kufri Frysona. This transition helped strengthen Madhya Pradesh's role not only as a table-potato producing region but also as a source of raw material for India's potato processing industry.