ICAR-CTCRI to take its tuber-based rainbow diet campaign to more States

Source: The post is based on the article “ICAR-CTCRI to take its tuber-based rainbow diet campaign to more States” published in The Hindu on 22ndJune 2023

What is the News?

The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) is planning to extend its tuber crop-based ‘rainbow diet’ campaign to more areas in the country with sizeable tribal populations.

What is the Rainbow Diet Campaign?

Launched by: ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI)

Aim: To popularize biofortified tubers and value-added products made from them among the tribal communities for tackling malnutrition and ensuring a balanced diet.

The ‘rainbow diet’ is a meal plan comprising different-coloured fresh fruits and vegetables. The colours in these natural foods are caused by specific phytonutrients. 

– With its tuber crop-based rainbow diet, the CTCRI is popularizing the orange-fleshed sweet potato (rich in beta-carotene), the purple-fleshed sweet potato, and purple-fleshed yam (rich in anthocyanin).  

What are Tubers?

Tubers are specialized storage stems of certain seed plants. They are usually short and thickened and typically grow below the soil. 

Tubers serve as a source of nutrients and energy for the plant. Examples of tuber crops include potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams and cassava.