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Key Points

Gujarat has remarkably transformed its potato production landscape over two decades, becoming India's leading processed potato producer. The state's strategic agricultural policies have expanded potato cultivation from 4,000 to 37,000 hectares, significantly boosting export potential. By processing over 25% of its potato crop into French fries and wafers, Gujarat is repositioning India's agricultural export profile. This achievement highlights the state's innovative approach to agricultural development and food processing.

Key Points: Gujarat Leads India's Processed Potato and French Fries Export

  • Gujarat produces 48.59 lakh tonnes of potatoes with 25% processed varieties
  • State transforms from potato importer to major exporter
  • Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli districts drive potato processing
  • 60% processed potatoes used for wafers, 40% for French fries
2 min read

Gujarat emerges as leader in production of processed potatoes

Gujarat emerges as top producer and exporter of processed potatoes, transforming India's agricultural landscape with strategic potato production.

Gujarat emerges as leader in production of processed potatoes
"With state govt support, the production of processed potato reached 11.50 lakh tonne - Agricultural Report"

Ahmedabad, July 14

In yet another remarkable achievement, Gujarat has emerged as the leader in the processed potatoes industry as it has left behind other states in its production and also set a benchmark by scaling up its share in the country's export of processed potatoes.

Today, Gujarat is the largest producer of processed potatoes and has also emerged as the largest exporter of French fries and wafers. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab come close second and third spots respectively, in terms of processed potatoes.

Notably, 'French Fries' remain a popular snack across the world and are consumed by children and adults alike. With the enhanced production of processed potatoes, the country is repositioning itself from French fries importer to exporter.

The 'French Fries' are made from processed potatoes and since they are being produced in bumper amounts, this has subsequently increased its share in the fries and wafers industry.

Gujarat has taken the lead in the country's export of processed potatoes, with more than 11.50 tonne being produced in the state alone.

In 2004-05, the production of processed potatoes was less than 1 lakh tonne with a sowing area averaging around 4000 hectares. With state govt support, the the production of processed potato reached 11.50 lakh tonne while sowing area saw a 10-fold increase of upto 37,000 hectares, in the last two decades.

In 2024-25, Gujarat produced 48.59 lakh tonnes of potatoes, of which about more than 25 per cent are processed potatoes, while the rest are Kufri potatoes, which are used to make vegetables.

The processing-grade potatoes cultivated by Gujarat farmers are supplied in large quantities to processed food industries that make French fries, chips or frozen food.

Out of the total production of processed potatoes, about 60 per cent is used for wafers and about 40 per cent for French fries production. Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts are major contributors to this.

In the year 2024-25, potato was sown in a total area of 1.19 hectares in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Aravalli of Gujarat and a total of 38 lakh tonnes of potato was produced with an average productivity of 32.36 tonnes per hectare.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As someone from Banaskantha, I've seen firsthand how potato farming has transformed our region. But I hope the government ensures fair prices for farmers and doesn't let big corporations exploit them in this processed food boom.
A
Aman W
Great achievement no doubt, but we must also think about the health implications. With so much processed potato production, are we contributing to obesity problems? Maybe invest in healthier snack alternatives too.
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Priya S
The 10-fold increase in sowing area is impressive! But I'm concerned about water usage - potatoes need lots of irrigation. Hope sustainable farming practices are being followed in Gujarat's potato belt.
K
Karan T
Gujarat's success shows what happens when agriculture and industry work together. The state's food processing parks and cold storage chains are models for others. Now if only they could bring down prices of potato chips in local markets! 😄
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Nisha Z
While celebrating this achievement, let's not forget traditional Indian snacks. Our bhujia, chakli and other regional snacks are healthier and tastier than French fries. Hope our food industry promotes them equally in global markets.

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