News on The Potato Supply Chain from Asia

The International Potato Center (CIP) is driving an initiative to enhance potato production capacity by training scientists from Nepal and Bhutan in innovative seed production and quality assurance technologies.

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a remarkable 47% increase in potato production in 2023, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 86% with over 621,750 tons of potatoes produced compared to 423,770 tons in 2021.

Potato harvest has begun in Aksaray, one of Turkey's top 10 provinces for potato production, where 80 percent of the population earns a living from agriculture and animal husbandry. Aksaray ranks first in many areas of animal husbandry in the country.

The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute organised a front-line demonstration programme showcasing improved potato varieties to empower local farmers and promote sustainable agricultural production.

Siddhi Vinayak Agri Processing Pvt. Ltd. has organized a large-scale training campaign for farmers across the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh.

In 2024, India's processing potato market saw significant price fluctuations, rising from INR 8/kg (USD 0.10/kg) in January to over INR 25/kg (USD 0.30/kg) due to varying demand and weather impacts, with expectations for stabilization in the coming months.

Allround Vegetable Processing, a Dutch-Indian engineering company renowned for its expertise in the design and manufacture of advanced machinery for vegetable processing, has announced a significant expansion of its production facilities and operational capabilities.

Technico Agri Sciences Limited, a leading seed potato Company, on completion of its 25 years, celebrated silver jubilee celebration by hosting 'Kisan Samaan Samaroh 2024' in Ludhiana, Punjab.

SV Agri conducted its annual variety show featuring Ganesh variety of potatoes, attracting key stakeholders from the chips processing industry. 

The conclusion of Anuga Select India and Anuga FoodTec India 2024 in Mumbai represents a significant milestone, reaffirming its role as a leading force in advancing and elevating the food and beverage sector. 

With domestic production down by 1.2 million tons, potato imports have become crucial as political unrest, a government change, and severe flooding further strain the situation.

PoLoPo, a molecular farming pioneer has announced it will begin supplying patatin, the native protein in potatoes, to commercial clients following regulatory approval.

The potato shortage in Odisha (India) has eased somewhat after the West Bengal government allowed the supply of potato to other states for a week. Experts suggest increasing local production by using HTPS seeds and improving storage facilities.

Developed by ICAR's Central Potato Research Institute, these new potato varieties aim to boost production, processing potential, and adaptability to warmer climates.

Pioneered by Bangladeshi brand PRAN, this Potato Biscuit category has rapidly expanded in India with major players like ITC and Britannia joining the fray, driven by the product's unique taste and texture. However, potato biscuits are largely absent in the rest of the world.

This high-yielding, biofortified variety is suitable for cultivation across the Northern, Central, and Eastern Plains of India, offering enhanced nutritional benefits and versatile culinary applications.

West Bengal's decision to halt potato supply to other states, particularly BJP-ruled ones, has triggered a political showdown, leading to shortages and price hikes in affected regions.

Despite challenges, the potato Industry in Nepal is undergoing significant developments. Among them: the opening of the first large scale French fry production facility in the country.