In a inspiring story of innovation and family collaboration, Mahendra Pal Singh, a retired Mathematics lecturer, has transformed potato farming in Uttar Pradesh through a unique venture born during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as family discussions during lockdown has evolved into a successful agricultural enterprise focusing on high-quality potato seed production.
The journey began when Singh’s son, Hemant Fauzdar, an MBA and IT professional with international experience, found himself at home during the global pandemic. This unexpected pause provided an opportunity for father and son to deeply discuss the challenges in potato farming, a field where the senior Singh had three decades of experience.
“The traditional practices hadn’t changed much over the years, but the persistent challenge was accessing quality potato seeds,” recalls Hemant. This observation led to an intensive research phase, supported by his brothers – Dr. Ashish Fauzdar, an AIIMS New Delhi graduate, and Munish Fauzdar, an IIT alumnus.
The family’s investigation led them to explore tissue culture technology, a concept previously unknown to them. Their research revealed that the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) had expertise in this area, with only a few major players like Technico in the field. Starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), they established infrastructure for tissue culture and net houses, initially working with five CPRI varieties.
Impact and Growth
The venture’s location in one of Uttar Pradesh’s major potato-growing belts – encompassing Agra, Firozabad, Farrukhabad, Etawah, and Shikohabad – proved strategic. Today, in its third year, the operation spans approximately 60 acres, with 60% dedicated to seed production and 40% to fresh consumption.
Their portfolio includes diverse varieties such as Kufri Mohan, Kufri Chipsona 1, Chipsona 3, Kufri Khyati, Pukhraj, Thar, Sangam, and Bahar. Recently, they’ve acquired a license for Chipsona 5 from CPRI, further expanding their offerings..
Current Status and Future
The success of their Generation 1 Pukhraj seed among farmers has been particularly noteworthy, with high satisfaction rates reported. The operation now supplies seeds not only to UP farmers but has expanded to Karnataka, Telangana, and other states.
While Mahendra Pal Singh continues to lead the potato cultivation efforts, his sons have returned to their respective professional fields – Hemant in IT, Dr. Ashish in medicine, and Munish in engineering. Their initial support and innovation during the pandemic, however, have left an indelible mark on local agriculture, demonstrating how traditional farming practices can be enhanced through modern technological interventions and family collaboration.
This success story stands as a testament to how crisis can spark innovation, and how cross-generational knowledge sharing can lead to sustainable agricultural solutions.
Contact Information
For inquiries about seed procurement and other information, farmers can reach out to Madhav Agri-Tech:
- Phone: +91 75055 01274
- Website: www.madhavagritech.com
Madhav Agri-Tech continues to serve the farming community with high-quality potato seeds and innovative agricultural solutions, maintaining its commitment to transforming potato farming practices across India.
