Somnath Group’s subsidiary, Farmton Foods, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat at Ganpat University, Mehsana, during Vibrant Gujarat, announcing an investment of INR 580 crore to develop a greenfield facility for frozen potato products. The move further reinforces Gujarat’s position as India’s leading agri-processing hub.

The ceremony was attended by the esteemed dignitaries:

• Bhupendra Patel – Chief Minister of Gujarat

• Ashwini Vaishnaw – Union Minister of Railways, India

• Balvantsinh Rajput – Minister of Industries, Gujarat

• Raghavji Patel – Minister of Agriculture, Gujarat

• Rushikesh Patel – Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Gujarat

• Kanubhai Desai – Minister of Finance, Gujarat

• Rameshbhai Mali – Managing Director, Farmton Foods

• Dalpatbhai Mali – CEO, Farmton Foods

• Rohit Mali – Director, Farmton Foods

In line with Vibrant Gujarat Regional Initiative, the project underscores the Gujarat Government’s focus on industrial growth and bolstering the state’s agricultural progress.

Under the MoU, Farmton Foods will establish a state-of-the-art food processing plant with a capacity of producing 6.5 tons/hour of French fries and coated fries, as well as 2.5 tons/hour of hash browns and coated potato specialities. The facility is slated to begin production in 2026 and will cater to both export (80%) and domestic (20%) markets. 

With a vision of ‘Making in India for the World,’ this initiative strengthens local manufacturing and takes it to the global stage.

Aligned with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, the project focuses on contract farming, to provide steady income and non-risk earnings for local farmers. Interestingly, the company has a thoughtful roadmap to use resources sustainably with a proprietary seed pipeline, 50% reduced water usage by implying advanced drip irrigation, and a zero-waste goal by 2030 through full peel recycling into animal feed and bioenergy.

The company is connected with over 8000+ potato farmers through our group network. For the processing operations, around 5500+ farmers will be engaged directly under contract farming.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rameshbhai Mali, Managing Director, Farmton Foods, said, “This MoU is an investment in our shared vision to empower local farmers, catalyze growth of rural economy and lead Gujarat’s industrial growth while leveraging new-age technology in food processing. We are proud to partner with the state government to make India a global hub for potato-based products.”

Backed by over 60 years of experience in the potato industry, Somnath Group leads 8,200 acres of potato cultivation in Gujarat in partnership with 8,000+ farmers, with a storage capacity of 80,000 MT and annual trading volume exceeding 75,000 MT.