Gujarat has emerged as India’s top producer of processed potatoes in the 2024–25 season, with a total output of 48.59 lakh tonnes, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. A significant portion of Gujarat’s crop is dedicated to industrial processing for French fries and wafers, driven by modern agri-tech, cold storage infrastructure, and a robust processing industry.
Key Highlights
National-Level Data on Processed Potatoes Segmemt
| Parameter | 2004–05 | 2024–25 |
| Processed Potato Production | Less than 1 lakh tonnes | 11.50 lakh tonnes |
| Cultivation Area (Processing Potatoes) | ~4,000 hectares | 37,000 hectares |
| Growth | 10-fold rise in production | 9-fold rise in area |
State-wise Ranking (2024–25)
- Gujarat – Top producer of processed potatoes
- Uttar Pradesh – Second position
- Punjab – Third position
Gujarat Processed Potato Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
| State with Highest Production | Gujarat (48.59 lakh tonnes in 2024–25) |
| Processed Share of Total Output | Over 25% of Gujarat’s potato production is for processing purposes |
| Usage Division | 60% for wafers, 40% for French fries |
| Processing Varieties Used | Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, Santana |
| Major Export Destination | Middle Eastern countries |
| Major Processing Districts | Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Aravalli |
| Storage & Supply Chain Support | Advanced cold chain infrastructure across key northern districts |
District-Wise Production in Gujarat (2024–25)
| District | Area (ha) | Production (lakh tonnes) | Productivity (tonnes/ha) |
| Banaskantha | 61,016 | 18.70 | 30.65 |
| Sabarkantha | 37,999 | 12.97 | 34.13 |
| Aravalli | 20,515 | 6.99 | 34.05 |
| Total (3 districts) | 1.19 lakh ha | 38.66 | Avg. ~32.36 |
India’s Position in Global Potato Landscape
- India’s Global Rank in Potato Production: 2nd (after China)
- Annual Output: ~60 million metric tonnes
- Key Drivers of Growth in Processed Segment:
- Expansion of quick-service restaurants (QSRs)
- Rising demand for frozen products like fries and hash browns
- Development of cold storage and processing infrastructure
- Decline in imports of frozen potato products (from 7,800 tonnes in 2010–11 to just 55 tonnes in 2023)
Key Indian Companies in Processed Potato Industry
- HyFun Foods
- Falcon Agrifriz
- Iscon Balaji
- McCain India
These companies have invested in processing technologies, export capabilities, and farmer linkages, helping India become self-sufficient and even an exporter of frozen potato products.
Role of ICAR-CPRI (Central Potato Research Institute)
| Location | Meerut (Modipuram campus), Uttar Pradesh |
| Parent Body | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Milestone (1998) | Released India’s first two processing varieties: Kufri Chipsona-1 & 2 |
| Major Varieties | Chipsona-1, Chipsona-3, Chipsona-5, Frysona, FryOn |
| Key Traits Developed | High dry matter, low sugar – ideal for crispy, low-oil fries |
Agricultural and Economic Significance
- Shift in Demand: Processing absorbs 12–14% of total production now, stabilizing prices and reducing volatility.
- Farmer Benefits: Higher income due to price stability, contract farming, and direct supply-chain integration.
- Cold Chain Backbone: Integral for preserving quality and enabling year-round supply to domestic and international buyers.
- Major Potato Producing States in India (overall): Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Punjab.
- Important Potato Research Institute: Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
- India’s total potato production (approx.): Over 50 million tonnes annually.