The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has announced a new potato variety. Called Kufri Neelkanth, the new table purpose variety is said to be rich in antioxidants and was developed by the ICAR Central Potato Research Institute in Shimla.

The tubers of the hybrid are dark purple-black, ovoid in shape with medium deep eyes, cream flesh, good storability, medium dry matter (18%) and medium dormancy with excellent flavor. The spuds are easy to cook and are free from after-cooking discoloration. The average yield of the hybrid is 35-38 t/ha.

In India, mostly white or yellow-skinned potatoes are preferred. However, red skin potatoes have been in demand in Eastern India and are now being preferred in some pockets of North-Western and West-central plains, as well.

The new variety is the first-ever purple-colored specialty potato variety in India. Kufri Neekanth is reportedly suitable for cultivation in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand plains, Bidar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and similar eco-ecologies.