Bhubaneswar, December 21: The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) recently organized an industrial meet and workshop at its Regional Station in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to promote biofortified sweet potatoes and develop forward linkages in their value chains. The event, titled "Industry Meet – cum- Workshop on Emerging Technologies and Business Prospects of Biofortified Sweet Potato in India", brought together over 120 stakeholders, including researchers, industrial representatives, farmers, and startups.
Biofortified sweet potatoes, particularly the orange-fleshed variety rich in Vitamin A and the purple-fleshed variety abundant in anthocyanins, have been gaining attention for their health benefits. According to CGIAR, more than 6.8 million households across Africa and South Asia are already cultivating and consuming these nutrient-rich tubers.
To integrate biofortified sweet potatoes into tribal food systems, ICAR-CTCRI has distributed over 40 lakh vine cuttings and six tonnes of biofortified tubers since 2020 to tribal areas in Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Kerala, and Jharkhand.
Key Highlights from the Event:
Expert Perspectives:
Dr. S.D. Shikhamany, Chairman of QRT (ICAR-CTCRI), inaugurated the meet, emphasizing the need for innovative approaches to integrate biofortified crops into mainstream diets.
Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, called for enhanced technology support to build sustainable value chains.
Dr. M. Nedunchezhiyan and Dr. Srinivasalu Rajendran shared insights on formal seed systems and sustainable cultivation practices.
Industry Insights:
Mr. Bilok Sharma from PepsiCo shared strategies for establishing robust seed systems to support fried chip production.
Mr. Sanjog Sahu of M/S Mati Farms and Dr. Sushan Kumar Jat highlighted challenges in vacuum-fried chip production with biofortified sweet potatoes.
Collaborative Efforts:
Representatives from APICOL, NGOs, startups, SOA University, KIIT-TBI, and farmer groups participated actively in the discussions.
A technology pavilion showcased innovative technologies and value-added products derived from biofortified sweet potatoes, reflecting ICAR-CTCRI's commitment to making tuber crops a staple in urban food systems.
This initiative aligns with the institute’s mission to create marketable and sustainable opportunities for biofortified sweet potatoes, enhancing their reach and acceptance among consumers and industries alike.
