Gujarat Emerges as India's Leading Producer of Processed Potatoes
Gujarat has taken a prominent position in the Indian agricultural landscape, becoming the largest producer of processed potatoes used for making crispy items such as French fries and wafers. This shift marks a significant transformation in India’s food industry, where the country once relied on imports for these products. Now, it not only cultivates the specific potato varieties needed but also exports French fries to global markets.
Historical Growth and Expansion
The journey of processed potato production in Gujarat began modestly. In 2004-05, the production was less than one lakh tonne, cultivated over just 4,000 hectares. Over two decades, this number saw an impressive increase, reaching 11.50 lakh tonnes across approximately 37,000 hectares. The area under cultivation expanded by nine times during this period, showcasing the state's commitment to agricultural growth.
Gujarat now leads the nation in producing processed potatoes and is the top exporter of French fries and wafers. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab follow closely in terms of production volume.
Key Production Areas and Crop Utilization
The state cultivates processing-grade potatoes, which are supplied to the processed food industries across India. These potatoes are essential for manufacturing products like French fries, chips, and frozen foods. In the 2024-25 season, Gujarat produced 48.59 lakh tonnes of potatoes, with over 25% being processed. The remaining portion consists mainly of Kufri potatoes, used for making traditional dishes like sabjis.
Of the total processed potato output, about 60% is used for making wafers, while 40% goes into French fries. The districts of Sabarkantha, Aravalli, and Banaskantha are the primary contributors, meeting the growing demand for these products within India.
Productivity and Area Under Cultivation
In 2024-25, potato cultivation in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli covered 1.19 lakh hectares, resulting in a total production of 38 lakh tonnes. The average productivity stood at 32.36 tonnes per hectare. These figures highlight the efficiency and scale of potato farming in these regions.
Banaskantha has been a standout district in recent years. In 2022-23, it produced 15.79 lakh tonnes from 53,548 hectares, achieving a productivity of 29.5 tonnes per hectare. This improved to 15.62 lakh tonnes from 52,089 hectares in 2023-24, with a productivity of 30 tonnes per hectare. By 2024-25, the district recorded the highest production in Gujarat, with 18.70 lakh tonnes from 61,016 hectares at a productivity of 30.65 tonnes per hectare.
Sabarkantha and Aravalli have also made significant contributions. In 2024-25, Sabarkantha produced 12.97 lakh tonnes from 37,999 hectares, with a productivity of 34.13 tonnes per hectare. Although potato farming in Aravalli started later, the district contributed 6.99 lakh tonnes from 20,515 hectares, with a productivity of 34.05 tonnes per hectare.
Ideal Conditions for High-Quality Potato Production
The northern belt of Gujarat is particularly well-suited for cultivating chip-grade and French fry-grade potatoes. Its fertile soil, favorable climate, and advanced farming systems create optimal conditions for high-quality yields. Varieties such as Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana are grown here, known for their high dry matter content and low sugar levels, which make them ideal for producing crispy, golden fries.
These potatoes are supplied to frozen food processors, quick-service restaurants, and are even exported, especially to the Middle East. The districts of Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli are equipped with advanced cold storage facilities that support this supply chain, ensuring the quality and freshness of the product throughout the distribution process.
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