The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute has developed a new orange-fleshed sweet potato variety (SP-95/4) aimed at improving food and nutritional security, especially among tribal communities in India.
This variety has successfully completed trials in multiple states including Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Kerala, demonstrating its adaptability and potential.
Nutritional Advantages
One of the biggest strengths of SP-95/4 is its high nutritional value:
- Contains 8 mg beta-carotene per 100 g
- Helps combat Vitamin A deficiency, a major issue in tribal regions
- Supports eye health, immunity, and child development
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuber weight | ~300 grams |
| Shape | Fusiform (tapered, uniform) |
| Suitability | Ideal for processing and consumption |
This makes it a strong candidate for biofortification-based nutrition programmes.
Research and Field Performance
The variety has undergone extensive multi-location trials:
- Tested in diverse climatic conditions
- Proven stable yield performance
- Final trials in Attappady (Kerala) showed promising results
These trials confirm that SP-95/4 is both climate-resilient and farmer-friendly.
Expansion and Development Plans
Currently cultivated on 10–15 acres, the project aims to scale up significantly:
- Target: 100 acres by 2025
- Establishment of processing units through CSR funding
This expansion is expected to:
- Improve farmer income
- Create local employment opportunities
- Strengthen value addition and supply chains
Key Initiatives Driving the Project
The development and promotion of this variety are part of two major initiatives:
1. Rainbow Diet Programme (2023)
- Promotes biofortified crops
- Focuses on diet diversity and nutrition improvement
2. Punarjeevanam Initiative (2024)
- Joint effort with Kudumbashree
- Expands cultivation and community participation
Together, these initiatives aim to transform local diets and farming systems.
Public Health Impact
The introduction of SP-95/4 aligns with broader public health goals:
- Addresses hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiency)
- Enhances diet quality in tribal areas
- Provides a low-cost, sustainable nutrition solution
Sweet potato, being easy to grow and nutrient-rich, becomes a powerful tool against malnutrition.
Conclusion
The orange-fleshed sweet potato (SP-95/4) is more than a crop innovation—it is a nutrition-driven agricultural solution. By integrating science, farming, and public health, this initiative demonstrates how agriculture can directly improve human well-being.
If scaled effectively, it can play a crucial role in reducing malnutrition, improving livelihoods, and strengthening sustainable food systems in India.
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