Technico Agri Sciences Ltd. hosted an exclusive “Technico Crop Show” in Chitroda village, Idar Tehsil, Gujarat, showcasing more than 29 specialized potato varieties bred specifically for the processing industry, with a particular emphasis on French fries production. A guest of honour was Director CPRI Dr Brajesh Singh.
Bringing Industry Leaders Together
The meticulously planned event drew participation from India’s top potato processing companies, including ISCON Balaji, Simplot, McCain, Falcon, Hyfun, Allana, ChillFill, Amul, Funwave, Tuber Foods & many other other key industry stakeholders. This unique gathering provided a platform for industry leaders to evaluate and provide direct feedback on Technico’s latest potato varieties under trial in the region. Processing company officials had a hands-on opportunity to examine the showcased varieties, assessing critical processing parameters such as tuber length, shape, flesh color & texture, dry matter content, maturity, yield, storability etc. This direct engagement enabled Technico to gather valuable industry insights, ensuring its varieties align with the needs of processors.
Vision for the Future of Potato Cultivation
Addressing the attendees, Mr. Nripendra K. Jha, CEO & Director of Technico, emphasized the company’s commitment to developing sustainable and high-yielding potato varieties tailored to India’s unique agro-cliamtic conditions. “At Technico, we are dedicated towards developing future-ready varieties that are both suitable and sustainable for Indian farmers,” said Mr. Jha. He further elaborated on Technico’s collaborative approach, working with global breeder partners to breed, screen & develop potential potato varieties that benefit potato value chain partners.
Expert Insights and Industry Perspectives
The event was enriched by insights from Dr. Brajesh Singh, Director of the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), who spoke on breeding advancements for processing potatoes. Drawing from his extensive field visits in Gujarat, Dr. Singh highlighted challenges faced by potato growers and the impact of climate change on potato cultivation.
Adding an international perspective, Mr. Jaap Brondijk, Director-Processing of STET Holland, shared insights on the Santana variety, which has gained widespread adoption in the French Fries processing industry. He commended Technico for bringing together stakeholders across the value chain and for its continuous efforts in varietal development and also reiterated the commitment of bringing more improved varieties across segments. Ms. Jenny Gentry, Executive Director PVMI (Potato Variety Management Institute), United States stated that “Developing a variety is just the first step; ensuring its performance in diverse climatic conditions and meeting processor expectations is what truly drives success.”
Scientific Collaboration for Indian Solutions
The event also witnessed participation from global experts, including Mr. Solomon Yilmer from the United States and Dana Leblanc, alongside Indian research representatives Dr. VK Gupta from CPRI, Modipuram and Dr. Salej Sood from CPRI, Shimla. This collaboration underscored the importance of combining global expertise with local knowledge to tackle India’s agricultural challenges.
Industry Engagement and Market Feedback
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where processing companies rated the showcased varieties based on their suitability for different processing applications. This direct industry feedback will guide Technico’s ongoing R&D efforts, ensuring future varieties are aligned with market demands.
Looking Ahead
The Technico Crop Show marks a significant step toward India’s self-sufficiency in processing-grade potato production. By fostering collaboration between research institutions, international experts, and industry leaders, Technico is shaping the future of sustainable and profitable potato cultivation in India. As climate challenges persist and consumer demand for processed potato products rises, initiatives like this will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s potato value chain, ensuring long-term sustainability and farmer prosperity.
