A new potato variety with higher concentrations of iron and zinc was developed in Peru to help fight child anemia.

Peru’s agriculture minister Gustavo Mostajo, who presented last Tuesday a purple-fleshed potato, made the information public.

“The potato is believed to become an important help in the fight against child anemia in the Andes”, Potato News Today informed.

This potato variety was genetically modified by scientists from the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INIA) and was given the name “INIA 328-Kulli Papa”. Kulli means purple in Quechua.
“The new potato variety has exceptional antioxidant capabilities in addition to almost double the iron and zinc content found in commercially produced potatoes”, the aforementioned website published.

This project was developed to help fight child anemia in Peru, which reaches 46.6% in children under 3 years and is considered a public health problem.

“INIA 328-Kulli Papa” is a tuber with a wide range of adaptability. It can be planted at an altitude of up to 4,100 meters above sea level.

(Source)
(Cover Photo Flickr)

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