How modern farming and food processing can boost potato farmers' income
Potato farming can become more profitable if farmers adopt modern farming methods and work closely with food processing companies, Manpreet Singh Chadha, Vice-Chairman of WAVE Group, said at the India Today Group's Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference.
Sharing the group's experience in Uttar Pradesh, Chadha said the focus should be on adding value to farm produce rather than simply buying crops from farmers and selling them. This, he said, can help both farmers and companies earn better returns.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryFROM POTATO FARMING TO FOOD PROCESSINGChadha explained that the group entered potato processing after recognising the need to create more value from the crop grown in the region.
The company has developed products from potatoes, including flakes used in snacks and food products. It has also started producing frozen French fries, with exports to markets such as Saudi Arabia and Dubai. It hopes to expand its reach to the US market.
To support this business, the group has also developed a modern potato cold storage facility in Uttar Pradesh. This allows potatoes to be purchased during the harvest season and processed throughout the year.BETTER FARMING METHODS IMPROVE YIELDS
Chadha said the company has introduced farmers to modern farming techniques learnt from Europe. These include using better-quality seeds, deeper soil preparation, timely pest control and mechanised planting and harvesting.
The company also supports farmers by providing seeds and bearing the cost of pesticides and machinery. According to Chadha, these practices have helped increase potato yields significantly, with some farmers achieving even better results.
He said mechanisation has become important as farmers increasingly struggle to find farm labour.ASSURED PRICES GIVE FARMERS CONFIDENCE
Another important part of the model is contract farming, under which the company fixes the purchase price before the crop is harvested.
Chadha said farmers value this arrangement because it offers price certainty even when market rates fluctuate. The company also purchases potatoes of different sizes, ensuring farmers have a buyer for their produce.
Chadha urged potato farmers to remain open to new ideas and learn scientific farming methods from other countries.
He stressed that farmers do not need to sell their land to benefit from modern agriculture. Working with organised companies and adopting better techniques can help them improve yields, reduce risks and earn more from their produce.- Ends
