Gujarat emerges as India’s processed potato powerhouse

Processed potato success in Gujarat

Gujarat emerges as India’s processed potato powerhouse: In the 2024–25 period, Gujarat has taken the lead in producing processed-grade potatoes across India. Known for their use in fries and chips, these potatoes have become a vital agricultural commodity. The state’s rise in this domain is reducing foreign import dependency and opening up trade avenues.

Banaskantha continues to set the benchmark

The Banaskantha region is driving this progress, maintaining the top spot for the third consecutive year. It registered 18.70 lakh tonnes of production over 61,000 hectares, reflecting both high cultivation scale and efficiency.

Meanwhile, districts like Sabarkantha and Aravalli are reinforcing Gujarat’s dominance. Sabarkantha produced 12.97 lakh tonnes, and Aravalli—despite being a relatively new entrant—delivered 6.99 lakh tonnes thanks to favorable agro-climatic conditions and rapid infrastructure growth.

Year-round storage and premium quality

The success of Gujarat’s northern districts is closely linked to their advanced cold storage network. These facilities ensure that potatoes remain suitable for industrial use over extended periods.

The varieties cultivated—such as Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana—have traits ideal for frying, including low sugar content and high dry matter, resulting in better crispiness and longer shelf life.

Static GK fact: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) backs varieties like Kufri Chipsona for processed food markets due to their physical and chemical properties.

Demand from international buyers grows

With consistent improvements in quality and quantity, Gujarat-grown potatoes are now meeting the standards of overseas markets, particularly in Gulf countries. These exports are being driven by increasing demand from frozen food brands and fast-food outlets that seek standardized quality.

Static GK fact: Though Uttar Pradesh is traditionally India’s largest overall potato producer, Gujarat now leads in potatoes grown specifically for processing industries.

Policy and institutional support make the difference

The state’s remarkable shift towards processed potato cultivation has been strongly influenced by government initiatives. Backed by Prime Minister Modi’s national push for agricultural innovation and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s targeted policies, farmers are now being empowered to adopt crop varieties suited for industrial use.

Organizations like the Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation and the Department of Agriculture are supporting this shift by offering technical training, promoting contract farming models, and distributing suitable seed varieties.

The focus is clear: turn traditional farming into a value-driven economic engine that boosts income, creates jobs, and fuels exports through modern agri-practices.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Gujarat emerges as India’s processed potato powerhouse: