Indian state Odisha testing out cultivation of Chipsona for potato chips production by Pepsico

The government in the Indian state Odisha has started producing potato variety ‘Chipsona’ on experimental basis since kharif season in Koraput. The potato chips variety has been cultivated in 800 hectare for the production of chips in the district, the official said.

Odisha government’s initiative to produce this potato that is new to Odisha is in anticipation of plans of soft drink major Pepsi to establish a potato chips manufacturing unit in Koraput.

An MoU is going to be signed between the State government and Pepsi soon to set up a potato chips factory in Koraput, according to Director of Horticulture Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya.

The key feature of the potato variety is that it will be produced in kharif season instead of rabi season and the hilly area of Koraput district is suitable for ‘Chipsona’ potato.

If the new variety of potato becomes successful in Koraput, the farming will be done in other tribal districts including Kandhamal and Mayurbhanj, Upadhyaya said.

Pepsico will make its future plan clear after reviewing the harvesting of Chipsona potato variety in Koraput.

Sweets and snacks manufacturer Haldiram is also seeking to promote Odisha farmers in chips manufacturing sector if the Chipsona farming will be successful in Koraput, he said.

The Odisha government is also planning to produce another variety of potato called as ‘Ashok’ in the State, the official added.