Jalandhar has recently seen interest in a unique potato variety called ‘Kufri Jamunia’, a purple-skinned potato that is being grown by local growers, including Harinder Farms. The variety is part of a wider push in Punjab’s agriculture to shift towards high-value and quality-focused farming instead of only focusing on traditional crops and bulk production.
Now, even Jalandhar based farming units are experimenting with such specialty crops that can fetch better prices and offer a bigger and better platform.
Farmers and suppliers say this rare variety of potatoes is already finding its way into metro-city kitchens, especially in Mumbai, Gurugram and Bengaluru, where restaurants are using it in making fries, roasted dishes, mashed potato and much more.
‘Kufri Jamunia’ is being preferred by chefs over the regular potato because it not only looks premium on the plate and but also cooks evenly.
Beyond its striking appearance, this rare potato variety is also being talked about for its nutritional value, as it contains natural antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give it the purple colour. These compounds are linked with general wellness benefits and are considered a plus for health-conscious consumers.
Experts say the rise of crops like ‘Kufri Jamunia’ is a direct reflection a changing mindset in agriculture landscape, as farmers are slowly moving towards crops that offer better pricing and bigger opportunities.