Scientists at the Potato Research Institute (PRI), Sahiwal, have developed four new potato lines with high dry matter content, making them particularly suitable for producing French fries and potato chips and potentially reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported processing varieties.
The newly developed lines, L 5-2, FD 74-30, FD 35-36 and FD 74-50, have dry matter content exceeding 22 percent, according to PRI Director Dr Rana Aftab Iqbal.
High dry matter content is particularly important for potato processing because potatoes containing more solids and less water absorb less oil during frying and produce crispier fries and chips. Varieties with dry matter content above 20 percent are generally preferred by processors.
Pakistan’s potato processing industry currently relies significantly on imported high-DMC varieties, particularly Dutch-origin varieties such as Lady Rosetta, Hermes, Alverstone, Venus, Sante and Asterix. Developing comparable varieties locally could provide processors with potatoes better adapted to Pakistan’s climate while reducing dependence on imported planting material.
The institute, established in 2009, has previously developed 12 table potato varieties. Three of these, Punjab, Sadaf and Ruby, have dry matter content ranging between 20 and 22 percent, while the four newly developed lines exceed the 22 percent level.
Researchers said locally developed high-DMC potatoes could also offer better adaptation to conditions including frost, drought and heat stress. Dry matter levels can additionally be influenced by farming practices, fertiliser management and harvesting time.
Pakistan produces around 10 million tonnes of potatoes annually and ranks among the world’s leading potato-producing countries, but researchers say the country has yet to fully exploit the growing processed-potato market because much of its domestic production consists of lower-DMC table varieties unsuitable for high-quality fries and chips.
The post Pakistan Develops 4 New Potato Varities for French Fries and Chips appeared first on ProPakistani.
