Indian Scientists develop protein rich potato

A genetically engineered, protein-enriched potato is being readied for commercial field-testing in India, scientists said.

Developed by Asis Datta at the National Centre for Plant Genome Research in Jawaharlal Nehru University, the "protato"- "pro"from protein and "tato"from potato - has up to 35 percent more protein than a normal potato due to a gene transfer from the amaranth plant.

Scientists have isolated the gene in the amaranth responsible for protein synthesis and have introduced it into potato, thus increasing the tuber's protein content.