SH C 2030 Potato Variety Trials in India: A Sustainable Solution for Processing Industry.

A breakthrough crisp potato variety is transforming India’s processing sector landscape. SH C 2030, developed by Netherlands-based STET Holland B.V., is currently undergoing extensive trials in partnership with PepsiCo India, marking a pivotal moment for sustainable potato production in the country. This late-maturing processing variety combines exceptional agronomic performance with reduced environmental impact—requiring significantly lower fertilizer inputs while delivering very high yields and superior chip quality.

Why SH C 2030 Matters for Indian Potato Processors.

India’s potato processing sector is expanding rapidly, with crisp and French fry production capacity projected to double by 2028. The introduction of SH C 2030 crisp potato variety addresses three critical industry needs: reduced input costs through lower fertilizer requirements, extended processing windows due to very long dormancy, and consistent chip quality from high dry matter content of 22.8%. This sustainable potato variety aligns with PepsiCo India’s commitment to regenerative agriculture practices across 10 million acres globally by 2030. With processing varieties like Kufri Chipbharat-1 and Kufri Chipbharat-2 recently notified by ICAR-CPRI, SH C 2030 offers international genetics specifically adapted for Indian growing conditions through ongoing field trials

The Arrival of STET’s Crisp Varieties

STET Holland B.V., a Netherlands-based potato breeding company specializing in climate-adapted varieties, has successfully brought its crisp processing varieties to the Indian subcontinent. The company’s Global key account manager, Jaap Brondijk, recently shared insights on linkedin about the ongoing collaboration with PepsiCo, highlighting that SH C 2030 is performing exceptionally well in Indian conditions and is poised to contribute significantly to the country’s sustainability objectives.

This development builds upon STET’s established presence in India, where the company has been working through its partner Technico since 2013. STET previously introduced the highly successful Santana variety to India, which revolutionized French fry production, particularly in Gujarat, and currently holds protected variety status in the country.

Exceptional Agronomic Characteristics

SH C 2030 stands out as “the sustainable variety” with remarkable agronomic traits that make it particularly suitable for Indian growing conditions. The variety is classified as late-maturing and delivers very high yields with large, round to round-oval tubers featuring attractive yellow skin and yellow flesh after cooking.

Each plant produces between 12 to 14 tubers, ensuring consistent productivity. The variety boasts an impressive dry matter content of 22.8% and an underwater weight of 422 grams, both critical parameters for crisp processing that directly impact product quality and manufacturing efficiency. These characteristics ensure that processors can achieve optimal crisp color and texture while maintaining production standards.

Sustainability at the Core

What makes SH C 2030 particularly attractive for India’s evolving agricultural landscape is its sustainability profile. The variety requires significantly lower fertilizer inputs compared to conventional processing varieties, aligning perfectly with India’s push toward resource-efficient farming practices. This feature becomes especially relevant as PepsiCo India has committed to implementing regenerative agriculture practices across 10 million acres globally by 2030, with India being a key focus area.

The variety exhibits very strong foliage development and maintains a very long dormancy period, providing processors with an extended processing window. This long processing window is crucial for the Indian processing industry, which requires year-round supply consistency to meet market demands. Additionally, SH C 2030 demonstrates reduced sensitivity to bruising, minimizing post-harvest losses and ensuring better quality raw material reaches processing facilities.

Disease Resistance Profile

SH C 2030 shows highly resistant characteristics against spraing and demonstrates high resistance to PVYn (Potato Virus Y necrotic strain), with good tolerance to Yntn tuber symptoms. However, like many processing varieties, it remains susceptible to both foliage and tuber blight, which means growers will need to implement appropriate disease management strategies tailored to regional conditions. The variety shows slight susceptibility to common scab and powdery scab, conditions that can be managed through proper cultural practices and soil amendments.

Strategic Partnership with PepsiCo

The collaboration between STET Holland and PepsiCo represents a strategic alignment between varietal innovation and processing requirements. PepsiCo India currently sources 100% of its potato requirements from Indian farmers and has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, including micro-irrigation adoption, soil health improvement, and water conservation initiatives.

Market Context and Future Outlook

The timing of SH C 2030’s introduction into India is particularly strategic. India’s potato processing capacity, particularly for French fries and crisps, is projected to double in the coming years, creating substantial opportunities for farmers and requiring varieties that can meet increased quality and quantity demands. The rapid professionalization of Indian potato farming, with increased adoption of modern technologies, precision agriculture tools, and machinery, creates an ideal environment for introducing advanced varieties like SH C 2030.

India recently notified four new domestic varieties developed by ICAR-CPRI, including two chip processing varieties Kufri Chipbharat-1 and Kufri Chipbharat-2, demonstrating the country’s commitment to strengthening its processing potato portfolio. The introduction of international varieties like SH C 2030 alongside these domestic releases provides processors with multiple options suited to different growing regions and processing requirements.

In future

The trials of SH C 2030 in India represent more than just varietal evaluation; they symbolize the convergence of sustainability, innovation, and market demands in Indian agriculture. As these trials progress under PepsiCo’s partnership, the variety’s exceptional performance characteristics, combined with reduced input requirements and extended processing windows, position it as a potential game-changer for India’s expanding crisp processing sector. The success of SH C 2030 could pave the way for more sustainable potato production systems while supporting India’s ambitions to become a major player in the global processed potato products market.