News on Potato Cultivation from India

Tarun Teja Goli, Agro-Potato Procurement and Supply Chain Manager at Agristo India, has provided an in-depth analysis of the recent fluctuations in India's processing potato market.

HyFun Foods partners with PUM Netherlands to enhance pre-harvest and post-harvest practices for 7,000 potato farmers in Gujarat, ensuring better quality and sustainability. This collaboration aims to reduce storage losses, maintain consistent quality, and strengthen the potato supply chain.

Agristo Masa and AVR, both companies with West Flanders and Belgian roots, are strengthening their cooperation with a new investment intent. During the Belgian Economic Mission to India (26 February - 5 March 2025), led by Princess Astrid, Stefan Top, Managing Director of AVR, and Agristo Masa signed an agreement for the purchase of two additional AVR potato harvesters within the next two years. This follows an earlier delivery of an AVR harvester earlier this year.

Potatoes are increasingly traded globally, raising the risk of spreading quarantined pests and diseases. Organizations like EPPO and national bodies regulate many of these threats, necessitating a unified approach to pest and disease management.

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.

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.

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.

Siddhi Vinayak Agri Processing Pvt Ltd (SV Agri) recently spearheaded a pivotal stakeholder consultation workshop on May 15 and 16, 2024.

While the potato production was less this year, the heatwave made transportation a nightmare, with the supply rotting during the transit.

In a first of its kind initiative by any food processor on the Indian subcontinent, the biggest potato processor from the country, Iscon Balaji Foods, has organised a month-long exhaustive farmers’ training programme to share the best agricultural practices for sustainability in the value chain.

Potato prices in India have increased nearly 50% in a month from March to April.

A groundbreaking wind-operated aerial insect trap designed to revolutionize pest management in agriculture has been developed by a team of scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) in Shimla.

One of them is in the middle of his career. The other is already retired. Both are embarking on a new adventure. In a country that is a feast for the eyes, but where they are even more impressed by the openness of the people.

SV Agri organized its Annual Variety and Seed Farm Show from January 8th to 10th, featuring the display of 14 new potato varieties.

The Agriculture department of Government of West Bengal has started potato cultivation with Apical Rooted Cutting (ARC) process at the Centre of Floriculture and Agri-Business Management (COFAM) department of the University of North Bengal in Siliguri.

Zero tillage not only boosts soil fertility and raises carbon stocks but also prolongs the potato growing season by harnessing the residual moisture after the rice harvest.

In a full-blown attack by the disease late blight, more than 50% potato crop in the fields has suffered extensive damage, leading to heavy losses for the farmers who had opted for diversification instead of growing wheat after paddy.