India sets the tone for potato industry growth ahead of 2025 summit

INDIA – India’s potato sector moved into planning mode for next year’s Global Potato Summit as industry leaders, farmers, and government agencies met in New Delhi to discuss how to grow production, upgrade systems, and expand exports.

The National Potato Stakeholders Meet brought together more than 60 participants from agencies, research bodies, processors, exporters, and grower groups.

The event also marked the start of formal preparations for the Global Potato Summit 2025 that will take place from 11 to 12 December in Greater Noida.

Global Potato Summit convener Sachidanand Madan said India now stands at an important moment for the crop. He said “India’s potato story is now at an inflection point; what we need is convergence, collaboration, and commitment.”

APEDA Secretary Dr. Sudhanshu encouraged cooperation across production, post harvest systems, processing, and exports, noting ongoing APEDA studies by CRISIL and ICRIER on market and infrastructure needs.

Experts from research institutions stressed the need for stronger R and D, traceability, and better storage. CIP India representative Neeraj Sharma said deeper research will support the entire chain. CPRI scientist Dr. V K Gupta asked the industry to promote local varieties and update cold storage systems.

MoFPI Joint Secretary Ranjit Singh said “The future of Indian potato lies in processing and value addition.”

Companies involved in processing and seed supply raised concerns related to scattered processing capacity and older varieties that limit output. They asked for regional clusters, contract farming systems, and cold chain linked processing units.

Technology focused participants highlighted the role of AI, blockchain, and IoT tools for real time tracking and faster export processes.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev noted that India grows nearly 55 million tons of potatoes each year but exports remain limited. He said new markets in Russia, Africa, and parts of Asia offer room for growth.

APEDA also announced two working groups that will focus on export promotion and domestic consumption. Proposed actions include bilateral trade discussions, promotion of Indian seed varieties abroad, cold storage upgrades, regional processing hubs, consumer awareness campaigns, and a digital traceability platform.

Growing frozen fry exports from Gujarat

India also continues to grow its frozen french fry exports, led by processors in Gujarat. Fifteen years ago, most frozen fries arrived through ports in Mumbai and Chennai. Today, India exports fries to Dubai, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and several other markets.

Investments from companies such as McCain Foods, HyFun Foods, Iscon Balaji, and Falcon Agrifriz strengthened contract farming and modern processing. India exported about 180000 tons of frozen potato products in 2024 to 2025, up more than 40 percent since 2018. Gujarat remains the main hub because its soil and climate support varieties suited for processing.

Advances in automation boosted quality and consistency, while research bodies such as CPRI developed processing friendly varieties like Kufri Frysona. Private firms also introduced European varieties to meet export needs.

India now exports frozen potato products to more than 30 countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The sector continues to face concerns linked to energy costs and climate stress, and expansion into Punjab and Uttar Pradesh aims to support future growth.

The New Delhi meeting closed with a request for strong industry participation at the Global Potato Summit 2025.

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