🥔 Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI)

About ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute

The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) stands as India’s premier public non-profit potato research institution, dedicated to advancing potato cultivation, breeding, and technology development. Established in August 1949 in Patna, Bihar, on the recommendation of Sir Herbert Steward, the then-Agricultural Advisor to the Government of India, CPRI has been at the forefront of potato research for over seven decades.

In 1956, recognizing the need for optimal conditions for potato breeding and seed health maintenance, the institute relocated to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The cooler climate and favorable environmental conditions of Shimla provided the perfect setting for hybridization work in potato breeding and maintaining virus-free seed potato health. The institute came under the administrative umbrella of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in April 1966, strengthening its research capabilities and national outreach.

Historical Timeline

CPRI Regional Research Stations

To address the diverse agro-climatic conditions and location-specific challenges in potato cultivation across India, CPRI operates seven strategically located regional research stations:

These stations collectively manage approximately 521 hectares across 15 units, producing around 3,000 tonnes of breeder’s seed annually, which is then supplied to State Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture for further multiplication.

CPRI Kufri Potato Varieties – Complete Guide

CPRI has developed over 70 potato varieties under the famous “Kufri” brand name (derived from the location Kufri near Shimla). These varieties are specifically bred for different agro-climatic zones, purposes (table, processing, chips), and possess various disease resistance traits.

Latest Released Varieties (2025-2026)

Popular Traditional Kufri Varieties

CPRI Seed Production & Certification System

CPRI has established a comprehensive seed production system to ensure farmers receive high-quality, disease-free, and genetically pure potato seed material. The institute employs both conventional and cutting-edge technologies to maintain seed quality standards.

Seed Categories & Multiplication Chain

CPRI follows a structured seed multiplication system with four generations:

1. Breeder Seed: Produced by CPRI at its 15 units across 521 hectares, yielding approximately 3,000 tonnes annually. This is the nucleus seed with highest genetic purity and disease-free status.
2. Foundation Seed I (FS-I): Multiplication of breeder seed by State Agricultural/Horticultural Departments under strict supervision.
3. Foundation Seed II (FS-II): Further multiplication of FS-I maintaining quality standards.
4. Certified Seed: Final stage seed available to farmers for commercial cultivation, produced from FS-II.

Seed Production Technologies

Quality Assurance & Certification

Potato seed certification in India is managed by the Central Seed Certification Board through the ‘Seed Act’. The certification ensures:

• Genetic purity and varietal integrity
• Disease-free planting material (virus, bacterial, fungal testing)
• Prevention of seed degeneration
• Higher yield potential
• Improved resistance to pests and diseases
• Consistency in crop quality

How to Procure CPRI Potato Seeds

Farmers and seed growers can procure quality potato seeds from CPRI through the following process:

Procurement Process

1. Visit Regional Station: Contact or visit the nearest CPRI regional station (Modipuram-Meerut, Jalandhar, Gwalior, Patna, Shillong, Ooty, or Kufri-Fagu)
2. Pre-booking: Seeds are typically offered through auctions or pre-booking systems. Check station-specific schedules (usually bidding happens in March-April)
3. Documentation: Farmers need to provide:
   • Identity proof (Aadhaar card)
   • Land ownership documents
   • Registration with local agriculture department (in some cases)
4. Quality Inspection: Seeds are inspected on-site, and farmers can check quality before procurement
5. Payment & Collection: Payment is made as per auction/fixed rates, and seeds are collected during the specified period

Contact Details for Seed Procurement

CPRI Research Achievements & Innovations

Major Contributions to Indian Agriculture

• 70+ Varieties Developed: Region-specific varieties for table, processing, and specialty purposes
• 25+ Patents: Innovations in breeding, biotechnology, and seed production technologies
• Aeroponic Technology: First in India to develop and commercialize aeroponic seed production, reducing seed production cycle by 2 years
• Disease Resistance: Varieties resistant to late blight, early blight, bacterial wilt, cyst nematode, potato tuber moth, and viral diseases
• Processing Varieties: Development of chip and french fry varieties reducing import dependency
• Climate-Resilient Varieties: Heat-tolerant varieties for plains, cold-tolerant for hills
• Yield Enhancement: Average yields increased from 15-20 t/ha to 35-45 t/ha through improved varieties

All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Potato

Established in 1971 at ICAR-CPRI Shimla, AICRP coordinates potato research across India through:

• 25 centers located across different agro-climatic zones
• Multi-location testing of advanced hybrid varieties
• Technology development and validation
• Adaptive research for specific regional challenges
• Farmer-centric innovation and extension

Recent Breakthroughs (2024-2026)

• Release of 17 new potato varieties addressing specific market needs
• Four new varieties (Kufri Ratan, Tejas, Chipbharat-1, Chipbharat-2) notified for nationwide cultivation
• Technology transfer of aeroponic seed production to Madhya Pradesh and other states
• Development of true potato seed (TPS) technology
• Tissue culture and micropropagation standardization

CPRI’s Role in India’s Food Security

CPRI has been instrumental in positioning India as the world’s second-largest potato producer (after China), with annual production exceeding 50 million tonnes. The institute’s contributions include:

Impact on Farmers

• Increased Productivity: Improved varieties and technologies have doubled potato yields over the past three decades
• Income Enhancement: High-yielding, disease-resistant varieties reduce input costs and increase marketable produce
• Risk Mitigation: Disease-resistant varieties reduce crop losses from late blight, bacterial wilt, and viral diseases
• Market Diversification: Processing varieties open new markets for farmers supplying chips and french fry industries
• Climate Adaptation: Heat-tolerant varieties enable potato cultivation in warmer regions and extended seasons

Contribution to Processing Industry

• Development of Kufri Chipbharat-1, Chipbharat-2, Chipsona series, and Frysona reduces import of processing potatoes
• Consistent quality raw material for domestic chips and french fry manufacturers
• Support to growing Indian snack food industry worth over ₹30,000 crores
• Technology for storage and processing optimization

Training and Capacity Building

CPRI serves as a center for training in:

• Research methodologies in potato science
• Modern technologies for potato production
• Seed production and certification systems
• Disease management and integrated pest management
• Post-harvest management and storage technologies

Why Choose CPRI Seeds?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the difference between breeder seed and certified seed?

Breeder seed is the nucleus seed produced directly by CPRI with highest genetic purity and disease-free status. Certified seed is the fourth generation (after Foundation-I and Foundation-II) available to farmers for commercial cultivation. Breeder seed is used for multiplication, while certified seed is for crop production.

Q2: How can I identify genuine CPRI Kufri variety seeds?

Genuine CPRI seeds come with:

• Certification tags from State Seed Certification Agencies
• Lot number and variety name clearly marked
• Purchase receipts from authorized CPRI stations or certified dealers
• Blue/white certification tags for different seed classes

Q3: Which Kufri variety is best for my region?

It depends on your location:

• North Indian Plains: Kufri Ratan, Kufri Tejas, Kufri Pukhraj, Kufri Bahar
• Hilly Regions: Kufri Jyoti
• Central India: Kufri Pukhraj
• Processing (Chips): Kufri Chipsona-1, Chipsona-2, Chipsona-3, Chipbharat-1, Chipbharat-2
• Processing (French Fries): Kufri Frysona

Q4: When is the best time to book CPRI seeds?

Seeds should be booked 2-3 months before the planting season:

• For Autumn Season (October-November planting): Book in July-August
• For Spring Season (January-February planting): Book in October-November

Q5: What is the cost of CPRI breeder/foundation seeds?

Prices vary by variety, seed class, and year. Generally:

• Breeder seeds: ₹30-50 per kg (limited availability)
• Foundation seeds: ₹20-35 per kg
• Prices determined through auction or government-fixed rates

Q6: How does aeroponic seed production benefit farmers?

Aeroponic seeds offer:

• 100% virus-free guarantee
• Higher vigor and productivity
• Better germination rates
• Reduced field exposure to diseases
• Faster availability (2 years quicker than conventional methods)

Q7: Can I visit CPRI for training in potato cultivation?

Yes, CPRI conducts regular training programs for farmers, extension workers, and researchers. Contact the Training Cell at CPRI Shimla or your nearest regional station for upcoming training schedules and registration details.

Related Resources on IndianPotato.com

• Latest Potato Market Prices in India
• Potato Cultivation Guide for Indian Farmers
• Disease Management in Potato Crops
• Storage and Post-Harvest Management
• Potato Processing Industry in India
• State-wise Potato Production Statistics

Contact CPRI

For Seed Enquiries: Contact your nearest regional research station (Modipuram, Jalandhar, Gwalior, Patna, Shillong, Ooty) for seed availability, booking, and procurement procedures.

For Technical Queries: Visit CPRI website or write to the Technology Transfer Unit at CPRI Shimla.