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The Indian potato sector is gearing up for a new era of growth and international recognition. On November 3, 2025, the Capital region played host to the highly anticipated Potato Stake holder Meet, a landmark event organized jointly by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and Media Today. This dialogue-driven gathering united leaders from every link of the potato value chain—growers, exporters, scientists, policymakers, and industry pioneers—to develop a robust roadmap aimed at propelling the sector towards global prominence.
A Strategic Gathering for India’s Potato Ecosystem
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Abhishek Dev (Chairman, APEDA), assembled distinguished stakeholders including Mr. Ranjit Singh (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries), Mr. Neeraj Sharma (Country Head, International Potato Center), Dr. Sudhanshu (Secretary, APEDA), Dr. Vikas Gupta (Principal Scientist, CPRI), and Vinita Sudhanshu (GM, APEDA). Their combined expertise underscored the seriousness and ambition of the initiative, which centered on cultivating India’s capabilities across production, infrastructure, and export-readiness.
Setting the Agenda: Expanding India’s Footprint
Deliberations began with a clear goal—to expand India’s potato export potential and tap emerging markets. While India ranks among the world’s leading potato producers, its full export capacity remains underutilized. Insights from policymakers and market experts emphasized the need for harmonized efforts to boost global competitiveness, suggesting that consistent quality improvement, robust certification standards, and improved brand visibility are critical for entering new export territories.
To further this, APEDA and sector leaders discussed developing and promoting Indian seed potato varieties tailored for overseas processing, particularly targeting African markets where demand is rising for high-quality, resilient seed potatoes. This move not only aligns with global standards but also positions India as a credible supplier on the world stage.
Innovations in Value Addition and Sustainability
A key area of focus was value addition—moving beyond raw potato exports to processed products such as frozen fries, chips, and dehydrated potatoes. Industry voices highlighted the need for investment in value chain innovations and the urgent promotion of domestic consumption of processed potato items, both to stabilize farm incomes and meet evolving consumer preferences. The forum recognized that value addition could unlock higher margins and diversify revenue streams for both farmers and industry.
Additionally, the group advocated for chemical-free preservation methods, intending to extend the shelf life of potatoes without compromising taste or safety. Developing innovative cold chain and logistics infrastructure formed another pillar of discussion, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses, maintain product quality, and ensure that Indian potatoes meet stringent global import requirements.
Recommendations: Future-Ready Policy and Collaboration
One of the key outcomes was the proposal to form two dedicated working groups—one focused on export promotion and the other on boosting domestic consumption. These groups will drive sectoral coordination, recommending actionable policies and facilitating bilateral agreements among SAARC nations to foster easier trade of both table and seed potatoes.
The establishment of an ‘Indian Potato Board’ emerged as another strategic recommendation. Such a board would streamline national supply chains, coordinate R&D on new varieties, and sharpen industry’s export readiness. In parallel, APEDA and industry leaders supported the idea of introducing incentives or subsidies for processed potato exports, enhancing India’s attractiveness in the global market.
Seeds of Collaboration: Global Summit Invitation
The meeting concluded with forward-looking optimism. Stakeholders were invited to participate in the upcoming Global Potato Summit 2025—a premier global platform to showcase Indian innovation, varietal diversity, and supply chain strength. This summit will see the launch of the #IndianPotatoPower campaign, serving as both a marketing rallying cry and a collaborative space for new partnerships worldwide.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Vision
India’s potato sector, rich in tradition and innovation, stands at a decisive crossroads. This stakeholder meeting signaled a renewed commitment to holistic development—combining scientific skill, policy acumen, and entrepreneurial drive. From exporting high-quality seed varieties to Africa, to refining domestic processing infrastructure, the sector is united around a shared mission: to make India synonymous with trust, consistency, and leadership in the global potato market.
For growers, processors, exporters, and policymakers alike, the roadmap set during the #PotatoStakeholdersMeet paints an optimistic future. Through collaboration, investment in technology, and focused policy action, Indian potatoes—whether fresh, processed, or seed—are poised to energize both domestic initiatives and global supply chains, ensuring a sustainable, profitable, and competitive sector for years to come.
