In a major step towards enhancing tribal food security, the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) has developed a new biofortified sweet potato variety. This orange-fleshed, pink-skinned tuber, designated SP-95/4, has successfully undergone final trials in multiple states, including Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Bumper Yield in Kerala:
In Kerala’s Attappady tribal region, the newly introduced sweet potato has delivered a bumper yield, significantly benefiting local farmers. The trial was conducted as part of a collaboration between ICAR-CTCRI’s tuber crop-based Rainbow Diet Programme and Kudumbashree’s ‘Punarjeevanam’ initiative.
According to CTCRI Director G. Byju, the variety’s vibrant orange flesh, rich in 8 mg of Beta-carotene per 100g, makes it highly nutritious and effective in combating vitamin A deficiency—a chronic issue in many tribal regions. The tubers, weighing an average of 300 grams, have a fusiform shape, making them ideal for processing and commercial use.
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Expansion Plans:
Following the successful trials, CTCRI and Kudumbashree plan to scale up sweet potato cultivation in Attappady to 100 acres by the end of 2025. The expansion is expected to further strengthen food security and create new income opportunities for local farmers.
Rainbow Diet Programme:
Launched in 2023, the Rainbow Diet Programme aims to promote biofortified tubers in tribal communities to address malnutrition and support balanced dietary practices. The programme was expanded under ‘Punarjeevanam’ in 2024, leading to wider adoption of nutrient-rich crops like sweet potato.
Nutritional and Economic Benefits:
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a highly nutritious tuber crop known for its rich vitamin content, including beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Its cultivation offers a sustainable solution to tackle nutritional insecurity and support public health initiatives.
Conclusion:
The introduction of this biofortified sweet potato marks a significant step towards food security and nutrition enhancement in tribal areas. With plans for large-scale cultivation underway, this initiative is poised to make a meaningful impact on both health and livelihoods in Kerala and beyond.
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