Gujarat’s burgeoning potato processing and French fry industry recently played host to a high-level delegation from the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla, signaling a significant step towards enhanced collaboration and technological advancement within the sector.
Led by Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of ICAR-CPRI, the team, which included esteemed scientists Dr. Vijai Kishor Gupta and Dr. Salej Sood, conducted an intensive four-day visit from February 28 to March 3, 2025. The primary objective of the visit was to evaluate the performance of advanced processing clones, developed by CPRI, which had been distributed to various stakeholders in Gujarat under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The delegation’s itinerary included comprehensive tours of leading potato processing and French fry industries across the state. These visits provided invaluable insights into the practical application of CPRI’s research and development efforts, allowing the team to assess the real-world performance of their advanced clones.
Crucially, the visit facilitated in-depth discussions between the CPRI team and the management and R&D teams of the French fry industries. These dialogues focused on a wide range of critical issues, aimed at strengthening the partnership between the institute and the industry. Key discussion points included the collaborative development of new processing varieties tailored to specific industry needs, and strategies for effectively managing and mitigating emerging biotic and abiotic threats that can impact potato yields and quality.
Furthermore, the teams explored advancements in agronomic practices, including the implementation of precision farming techniques such as drone usage, which offer the potential for increased efficiency and sustainability. Post-harvest management for quality enhancement, including the exploration of alternative sprout suppressants, was also a central topic, addressing crucial aspects of storage and processing.
The discussions extended to exploring export opportunities for Gujarat’s potato products, emphasizing the potential for expanding the market reach of the industry. The CPRI team also presented advancements in non-destructive quick assessment of quality parameters, highlighting technologies that can streamline quality control processes.
Recognizing the rapid growth of the potato processing sector, the CPRI team cited the increasing demand for a skilled potato workforce. They advocated for industry stakeholders to consider funding potato-based research and fellowships for students, which would not only benefit the research community but also ensure a pipeline of skilled professionals for the industry.
A significant aspect of the visit was the examination of bulk storage practices for both indigenous and exotic potato varieties currently employed by the French fry industries. The team analyzed existing storage methods and provided recommendations for optimizing storage conditions to maintain potato quality and minimize losses.
The ICAR-CPRI team received a warm welcome from industry stakeholders, who expressed a strong interest in pursuing collaborative initiatives with the institute. This collaborative spirit underscores the shared commitment to advancing the potato industry in Gujarat through research, innovation, and knowledge sharing. The visit marks a significant step towards a more robust and technologically advanced potato sector in the region.
