Iscon Balaji Foods has launched the comprehensive Iscon Balaji Gyan Yatra for farmers, focusing on zero waste and the adoption of precision farming to enhance sustainability.
The Iscon Balaji Knowledge Sharing Drive, a pioneering initiative by a food processor in the Indian subcontinent, has been introduced by Iscon Balaji Foods. As India’s leading potato processor, the company has initiated a detailed month-long program that includes factory visits and educational sessions. This program is designed to equip associated farmers, vendors, and sub-vendors with the necessary knowledge to create a sustainable potato supply chain.
Farmers and stakeholders from different parts of Gujarat have been congregating at the Iscon Balaji Foods facility in Himmatnagar. Groups of farmers from various villages and suburbs join together for a firsthand look at the company’s manufacturing processes. While Gujarat’s farmers are known for their advanced potato farming techniques and continual learning, they are particularly curious about the transformation of their potatoes into finished products like French fries. Witnessing the sophisticated technology that takes their local produce to international markets is a source of great excitement for them upon visiting the Iscon Balaji Foods factory.
Collaborating with over 8,000 farmers who cultivate various potato strains over 25,000 acres in seven Indian states, Iscon Balaji Foods processes half a million tonnes of potatoes each season, making it the nation’s premier French Fries processor and exporter.
Farmers gain not only technological insights but also learn about the latest developments in potato farming, including agronomy, processing, and seed technology. Iscon Balaji Foods’ agronomists are dedicated to providing farmers with the knowledge needed for sustainable farming practices. Challenges such as soil preparation, regenerative agriculture, green manuring, drip/sprinkler irrigation, eco-friendly chemicals, farm biodiversity, and enhancing grading standards at the farm level are addressed by the company’s team of experts. They offer comprehensive expertise on these subjects, including detailed guidance on the crucial process of potato seed treatment and handling, which significantly impacts the farmers’ marketable yield. Iscon Balaji Foods emphasizes that every production step is critical to achieving zero waste at the farm level, which in turn reduces factory losses and increases stakeholder profitability.
In response to the surging demand for potato specialties worldwide, Iscon Balaji Foods strives to perfect its supply chain and minimize production losses at the farm level. The company’s philosophy, “Each potato matters,” reflects its commitment to expanding its market presence in dehydrated and frozen potato specialties through careful sourcing.
The month-long event at the company’s Himmatnagar plant, which is India’s largest French Fries processing facility, has attracted thousands of stakeholders who contribute to the Make In India initiative.
Farmers visiting the Iscon Balaji Foods factory in Himmatnagar, the country’s largest French Fries processing plant, are offered a glimpse into the extensive production operations and the principles of responsible farming. Iscon Balaji Foods is dedicated to promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain and aims to deliver “Bite-Size Happiness” through its responsibly sourced potato products.
