Farmton Foods Private Limited (Pvt. Ltd.), operating under the umbrella of the Somnath Group, is launching a major new Greenfield potato processing project in Sidhpur, Mehsana, Gujarat. This venture, which represents a substantial investment and a robust, integrated supply chain, is set to become a key player in the production and export of high-quality, value-added potato products.
Key Project Highlights and Investment
The scale and strategic importance of this project were highlighted when the Somnath Group signed a large Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for ₹580 crore (CR) during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. This significant investment exemplifies the group’s commitment to establishing a modern, world-class frozen potato processing plant in the state.
The entire project is being developed on a plot spanning 32 acres. The total investment covers the cost of the plant, working capital, and the associated potato supply chain infrastructure. The facility is expected to become operational by late December 2025 or January 2026.
State-of-the-Art Production Capacity
The facility is designed to manufacture high-quality products like French Fries and Potato Specialty Products. The plant’s dual processing lines are set up for high-volume production:
- French Fries Line: The main production line has a capacity of 6.5 tons per hour.
- Specialty Line: This line, dedicated to potato specialty products, has a capacity of 2.5 tons per hour.
For this Farmton Foods plans to source approximately 25 lakh (2.5 million) packets of potatoes, each weighing 50 kg, to be stored in 10 cold store owned by them.
Market Strategy: Local to Global
Farmton Foods has a clear market strategy with a strong emphasis on international trade, embodying the spirit of “Vocal for Local – Local to Global”.
- Export Focus: The company projects that 80% of its production will be dedicated to exports. The goal is to deliver Gujarat’s potatoes to the global table.
- Domestic Market: The remaining 20% will cater to the domestic market.
This export-heavy focus aligns with Gujarat’s emergence as India’s leading hub for processed potato products.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rameshbhai Mali, Managing Director, Farmton Foods, said, “This MoU is an investment in our shared vision to empower local farmers, catalyze growth of rural economy and lead Gujarat’s industrial growth while leveraging new-age technology in food processing. We are proud to partner with the state government to make India a global hub for potato-based products.”
Integrated Supply Chain and Technology
The project is built on the Somnath Group’s deep, generational knowledge, which spans 50 years in potato trading and farming. The company employs a sophisticated, integrated supply chain from seed to store:
- Farmer Network: The project is strengthened by a powerful association with more than 8,000 farmers. The new processing plant alone is expected to work with approximately 5,000 contract farmers.
- Seed Pipeline: The seed potatoes follow a dedicated three-year cycle, starting in Punjab before being moved to Gujarat for commercial farming.
- Contract Farming: Extensive contract farming in Gujarat ensures a stable supply of processing-grade potatoes, which are harvested around February or March and must be stored for year-round processing.
- Infrastructure: Farmton Foods maintains a vast infrastructure, including 10 cold storages, to maintain the quality of the raw material. The plant will feature modern processing lines sourced from Kiremko, Netherlands, and a receiving line from Allround Vegetable Processing.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond its industrial scope, the Farmton Foods project is set to create significant economic and social opportunities. It is expected to generate more than 1,000 employment opportunities, providing new avenues for local youth. This project is a source of pride for the farmers, industrialists, and youth of Gujarat. The focus on an integrated supply chain and contract farming will further empower local farmers, fostering rural economic prosperity.
