Kufri jamunia/Purple skinned and fleshy Potato

 Kufri jamunia/Purple skinned and fleshy Potato:

Question: What is Kufri Jamunia ?

Ans:

Kufri jamunia is  a potato

Question: What is the speciality of Kufri Jamunia ?

Ans: It is a purple skinned and fleshy potato under Biofortification programme of Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI), Modipuram, Meerat District, UP. [ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station, Modipuram Campus is the biggest Research Station of the Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla. It has three units, i.e. Modipuram, Machhri and Pabli. ]

Question: How many coloured potato varieties ICAR-CPRI developed?

Ans:ICAR-CPRI (Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Central Potato Research Institute) developed nutrient-rich coloured potato varieties, including Kufri neelkanth, Kufri manik, and Kufri jamunia. 

Question: What is the speciality of Kufri jamunia potatoes ?

Ans:

These varieties contain important antioxidants and micronutrients, such as anthocyanins, iron, and zinc. Among them, Kufri jamunia represents a major advancement due to its higher levels of Vitamin C, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. Its improved nutritional profile, attractive purple flesh, and strong consumer appeal make it an important variety for addressing hidden hunger and improving nutritional security. 

Question: How many coloured potato varieties are there ?

Ans: 

1)Kufri Neelkanth was the first purple-skinned specialty potato variety 

2)Kufri manik was released in 2021. It produces attractive, deep red tubers with a round shape, medium eyes, and yellow flesh. The variety is rich in nutrients and contains high levels of anthocyanin, zinc, and iron.

3)Kufri jamunia was officially released in 2024. The variety contains higher levels of ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, and carotenoids than Kufri manik and Kufri neelkanth. Its purple flesh indicates high antioxidant content and better nutritional quality. Kufri jamunia also contains enhanced levels of zinc and iron. 

Question: What is the speciality of Kufri Jamunia ?

Ans: 

Kufri jamunia offers nutritional advantages, but they are substantial in some aspects more than others.

The variety reportedly has a mealy texture.

Kufri jamunia can be used in curries, parathas, soups, baked goods, and dehydrated flours 

Question: What are the nutrient values of Kufri Jamunia ?

Ans:

Kufri jamunia contains 42.05 mg/100 g of anthocyanins in flesh and 80.66 mg/100 g in skin.

It also contains around 42.75 mg/100 g of Vitamin C in the flesh.

The carotenoid content is around 161 µg/100 g fresh weight in flesh.

In addition, the variety contains about 22.77 ppm zinc and 32.23 ppm iron in the flesh. 

Question: How Kufri Jamunia is developed?

Ans: 

The CPRI team developed the kufri jamunia variety by crossing two potato lines, MS/8-1148 and CP4242, in 2015. MS/8-1148 is high in vitamin C whereas CP4242 had purple skin and flesh. The result, formally called MSP/16-307, could naturally accumulate higher concentrations of specific nutrients as it grew. 

Question: How does purple colour come to the skin of Kufri Jamunia potato ?

Ans: 

The purple colour comes from anthocyanins — organic compounds . Such anthocyanins are also found in jamun and blueberries. 

Question: What are the benefits of  Anthocyanins?

Ans:

Anthocyanins are known to have antioxidant properties, although whether the same benefits will accrue when delivered by kufri jamunia potatoes is not known. 

Question: Potato crop is affected by which  diseases? 

Ans: Late blight is a devastator of potato crops and the CPRI team has already recommended that farmers apply fungicide. 

Question: ‘Late blight’ disease is caused by mould? 

Kufri jamunia could moderately resist ‘late blight’, a disease caused by the water mould Phytophthera infestans. 

Question : What is Mould?

Ans:

Mould is a  specific category of multicellular fungi that grows in fuzzy or powdery multi-cellular thread-like structures called hyphae.

Safflower : Carthamus tinctorius L

 

Safflower : Carthamus tinctorius L

It is widely accepted as Safflower or false saffron, belongs to the Compositae or Asteraceae family

The whole plant’s branches (i.e. of primary, secondary, and tertiary types) terminate into tubular flower heads known as capitula

These flowers in bright yellow, orange or red are enclosed by spiny bracts

In Indian traditional medicine, safflower is typically used for scabies, arthritis, and mastalgia. 

High-quality edible oil is extracted from brilliant safflower, which finds rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids of utmost importance for managing the cholesterol level in blood. It is nutritionally akin to olive oil due to the high amounts of linoleic or oleic acid. The monounsaturated fatty acid for instance, oleic acid, is helpful in the attempt to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL; bad cholesterol) while having no undesirable impacts on high-density lipoprotein (HDL; good cholesterol) in blood

Note: For some people, safflower seed oil has shown allergies etc.

Prosopis Cineraria / Prosopis Cinegeia / English: Sponge Tree

 

Prosopis Cineraria / Prosopis Cinegeia  / English : Sponge Tree

Pods:-

Pods, called “Sangri” are considered as dry fruit of desert and are one of the main ingredients of Rajasthani dishes  like " The Panchkuta " ( i.e.,a traditional blend of sun-dried desert vegetables).

• The pod is used for making vegetable curry in Bharwad and Punjab.

This plant is found in water stress (or deficient area).

Acetone and methanol extracts of Sangri pods are the most potent bio active extracts. 

Nutritional analysis shows it as a good source of proteins and minerals like calcium, sodium and potassium

Flowers:- Contain: Patulitrin, Patuletin, prosogerins A,B. Paluritin a flavone glycoside patulitrin prosogerins A, B and C Glucoside patulitrin.

Seeds:- Contain: Specigerin, fixed oil(4.5%), Prosogerine. Specigerin, fixed oil 4.5% posogerine prosapanal G, Flavone prosogerin C.

The tree contains:-– 5-hydroxytryptamine, apigenin, isorhamnetin-3-diglucoside, l- arabinose, quercetin, tannin and tryptamine.

Wood ash contains :- 31% of soluble potassium salts, used as a source of potash.

Stem contains:- Ursolic acid, glycosides of campestral, stigmasterol, B- Sitosterol

• The bark is used in the central provinces of India, as a remedy for rheumatism (watt).
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• In western India, the bark of Shami is used in treating osteoarthritis.

World Menopause Day 2026, observed on 18 October,2026 :

 

World Menopause Day 2026, observed on 18 October,2026:

Ayurvedic Herbal formulations:

Classical Ayurveda preparations such as :-

1)Ashokarista, 

2)Lodhrasava, 

3)Usheerasava, 

4)Chandanadi Loha, 

5)Amalaki Rasayana and 

6)Mukta Shukti are traditionally used in Ayurvedic practice for concerns associated with menopausal health. 

Note: The above medical formulations  should be used under  guided by a qualified healthcare professional.

Adequate protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients are particularly important for maintaining muscle strength and bone health.

Ayurveda emphasizes balanced dietary and lifestyle habits, including moderation in food intake, avoiding excessive consumption of pungent and salty foods, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and managing physical and emotional stress.

Cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

 Cluster beans : (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)

Nutritional value :

Rich in folic acid, calcium, vitamin K, and fiber. It has hypoglycemic properties that can help control blood sugar levels.

Gaur gum source : 

 Mature seeds are processed to extract guar gum, a natural thickening agent used globally in foods like ice cream, sauces, and baked goods.

Cluster beans contain important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system. 

Vitamin C is known for its role in boosting white blood cell function, which helps the body fight off infections more effectively. 

Iron is crucial for oxygen transport and energy production, supporting overall vitality and immune defense. Antioxidants present in cluster beans neutralize harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. 

Regular consumption of cluster beans can thus enhance the body's ability to resist illnesses and recover more quickly from infections.

Palmyra Jaggery :

 

Palmyra Jaggery Powder, derived from Palmyra blossom nectar, is a traditional Indian sweetener with potential for value addition and wider international market acceptance.

 As an alternative to refined sugar, it offers potential nutritional benefits, including vitamins and minerals.

Palmyra-based products are associated with traditional production practices and the use of the Palmyra palm, which has long been part of the agricultural and cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Palm Jaggery : Nutrition  facts (100 grams)

Calories     370 kcal 

Iron:            10 - 13 mg

Calcium :       80 - 100 mg

Magnesium    60 mg

Potassium:    120 mg

Protein    :    0.5 g

Fat            : 0 g 

      

Names of Medicinal Crop/Plants

    Name of the Medicinal Crop 

1 Aloe vera ( Ghritkumari) 

2.Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) 

3 Bixa orellana (Sindhoora)  

4 Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) 

5 Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) 

6.Bacopa monneri (Brahmi) 

7.Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella Oil) 

8 Plectranthus barbatus (Pashana bhedi) 

9 Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) 

 10 Abelmoschus moschatus (Kasturi benda) 

11 Mucuna pruriens (Doolagondi) 

12 Hemidesmus indicus (Nannari) 

13 Piper longum (Pippalli)

14 Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha) 

15 Senna alexandrina (Sonamukhi) 

16 Acorus calamus (Vach) 

17 Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) 

18 Tinospora cordifolia (Tippateega) 

19 Moringa oleifera (Munaga) 

 20 Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) 

21 Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) 

22 Chrysopogon zizanioides 

Kalihari (Gloriosa superba.)  

 

  

  

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) 

 Mandookparni (Centella asiatica) 

11. Bael (Aegle marmelos) 

12. Neem (Azadichta indica)  

13. Rakta chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus)  

14. Chandan (Santalum album) 

15. Arujuna (Terminalia arjuna)  

16. Behera (Terminalia bellarica)  

17. Harad (Terminalia chebula)  

18. Ghritkumari (Aloe vera)  

19. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) 

 20. Patherchur (Coleus barbatus) 

 21. Konch (Mucuna prurita)