In the arid landscape of Rajasthan’s Sirohi district, where the desert winds whisper tales of traditional cumin cultivation, a 28-year-old innovative farmer is writing a new chapter in potato farming history. Rakesh Suthar, armed with international education from Israel and an entrepreneurial spirit, has successfully ventured into potato farming – a crop traditionally considered unsuitable for Rajasthan’s hot, dry climate.
Suthar’s journey into potato cultivation began in 2023, though his initial experience working through a broker for a processing company proved challenging. However, his determination remained unshaken. Drawing inspiration from his friends in neighboring Gujarat and leveraging his diverse farming experience with strawberries, papaya, and pomegranate, Suthar persevered in his agricultural endeavors.
The year 2024 marked a turning point in his potato farming venture when he entered into a contract farming agreement with Simplot, a major potato processing company. Currently, Suthar manages an impressive cultivation of two potato varieties – Santana and T3 of Technico Agri– spread across 24 acres. The Santana variety, planted in 14 acres, is now 85 days into its growth cycle, while the T3 variety, occupying 10 acres, has completed 60 days of growth as of early February 2025.
What makes Suthar’s story particularly remarkable is his success in cultivating potatoes in a region where the crop faces significant environmental challenges. The key to his achievement lies in the strong support system he has built. “The assistance from Simplot has been fantastic,” Suthar emphasizes, highlighting the company’s commitment to his success. Their field representatives visit his farm every ten days, providing crucial guidance and expertise to navigate the unique challenges of potato farming in Rajasthan’s climate.
The economic aspects of this venture are equally promising. Through his contract with Simplot, Suthar enjoys the security of guaranteed procurement rates of ₹14 per kilogram for both potato varieties. This assured market and fixed price structure has eliminated one of the most significant stress factors in farming – market uncertainty. “Potato cultivation has proven to be much more manageable and stress-free, thanks to the procurement guarantee from Simplot,” Suthar reflects. He also acknowledges the immense support provided by Raman Bhai Padhiyar from Simplot who has been instrumental in field support.
His agricultural journey began in 2021 with strawberry cultivation, leveraging his education from Israel. Over time, he diversified into various crops including papaya, cumin, and pomegranate. However, potato farming has captured his particular interest due to its relatively shorter crop cycle compared to his other cultivations.
Looking ahead, Suthar’s ambitions are set to expand significantly. He plans to lease an additional 80 acres specifically for potato cultivation, demonstrating his confidence in this unconventional crop choice for the region. This expansion represents not just personal growth but a potential shift in the agricultural landscape of Sirohi, traditionally known for its cumin production.
Suthar’s success story exemplifies the power of modern farming practices, strong institutional support, and cross-regional knowledge sharing. His experience demonstrates how the right combination of technical support, market linkages, and farmer determination can overcome even the most challenging agricultural environments. As Sirohi witnesses this agricultural transformation, Rakesh Suthar stands as an inspiration for young farmers looking to break traditional barriers and embrace innovative farming practices.
