India’s potato industry is entering a new era of transformation. In a landmark initiative to unlock opportunities in processing, value addition, and global trade, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Media Today Pvt. Ltd. jointly organized a National Potato Stakeholders’ Meet at APEDA Headquarters in New Delhi.

The brainstorming session brought together over sixty eminent stakeholders—policymakers, researchers, processors, exporters, and farmer organizations—to craft a strategic roadmap for the potato value chain. The meet also served as the official curtain-raiser for the Global Potato Summit 2025, scheduled for December 11–12, 2025, at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, envisioned as a defining platform to position India at the heart of the global potato economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sachidanand Madan, Convener of the Global Potato Summit 2025, noted that “India’s potato story is now at an inflection point—what we need is convergence, collaboration, and commitment. The Global Potato Summit will act as a catalyst for integrating policy, technology, and markets to make Indian potatoes globally competitive.” He commended APEDA and MoFPI for aligning public and private efforts to connect farmers, processors, and exporters through innovation and infrastructure.

Building a Roadmap for Transformation

In his keynote address, Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary, APEDA, highlighted India’s immense agro-climatic diversity and urged stakeholders to “unleash India’s potato power” through an integrated, market-oriented approach spanning production, post-harvest management, processing, and exports. He shared findings from APEDA-commissioned studies by CRISIL and ICRIER, which identified key strategies to expand export markets, strengthen infrastructure, and promote value-added products.

Innovation, Modernization, and Collaboration

Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Country Manager, CIP India, called for deeper R&D collaboration and traceability systems to meet international quality benchmarks. Dr. V. K. Gupta of CPRI urged branding of India’s 70-plus potato varieties and modernization of cold storages with sustainable technology. Representing the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Mr. Ranjit Singh, Joint Secretary, emphasized that “the future of Indian potato lies in processing and value addition,” citing PM Kisan Sampada Yojana and PM FME as pivotal enablers of cold-chain and cluster development.

Industry leaders—Mr. Davinder Singh Dosanjh (Mahindra HZPC), Mr. N. K. Jha (Technico Agri Sciences), and Ms. Rajni Gupta (Agristo India)—highlighted challenges of outdated varieties, scattered processing units, and high logistics costs. They called for contract farming models, regional processing clusters, and incentives for integrated units linked with cold chains and for processed products exports. Mr. Vijay Sehgal, Advisor to Potato Bazaar, highlighted how AI, blockchain, and IoT can build transparency and real-time traceability across the potato value-chain, while Mr. Pranav Mallick of ISS Global Forwarding urged full digitization of export processes and a national logistics grid for perishables.

APEDA Chairman’s Address: Powering the Potato Revolution

Concluding the session, Mr. Abhishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA, praised the collective resolve of government, industry, and research institutions. “India produces nearly 55 million tonnes of potatoes annually, yet our export share remains modest. Through innovation, technology, and partnerships, we can transform from a raw-commodity economy into a processed-potato powerhouse,” he said. He pointed to successful cluster models such as Mehsana (Gujarat) and outlined export prospects in Russia, Africa, and emerging Asian markets.

Key Outcomes and the Road Ahead

APEDA announced two dedicated Working Groups—on Export Promotion and Domestic Consumption & Market Development—to carry forward actionable recommendations. Priority measures include establishing bilateral trade mechanisms, promoting Indian seed varieties abroad, modernizing cold storages with solar retrofits, developing regional processing hubs, launching a national consumption campaign, and creating a digital traceability platform linking all stakeholders.

Other key participants

Ms. Vinita Sudhanshu, General Manager, APEDA; Mr. Ranbir Singh, DG Horticulture, Haryana; Dr. Falgun Bhai Modh, Horticulture (Gujarat); Mr. K. S. Kirad, Horticulture & Food Processing (MP); Mr. Anoop Sharma (Assam); Mr. Samir Sharma (HP); Dr. Gayatri Pipaliya (Uttarakhand) attended the meeting from Government & Ministry. From industry and trade key stakeholders were Industry Mr. S. K. Thakkar (SK Group); Mr. Navid Suthar (MS International); Mr. Haresh Karamchandani (HyFun Foods); Mr. S. Soundararadjane (HyFarm); Mr. S. K. Gautam (Survir AgriTech);  Mr. J. B. S. Sangha (Sangha Farms); Mr. Salauddin Modasiya (MS Foods); Ms. Bhavna Vishwanath (Kiremco India); Mr. Fulchand Kachchhava (GreenFay Farm Foods); Mr. Ashu Phakey (ITC Foods); Mr. Affan Haris (Allana Group); Mr. Rajesh Yadav (NextOn Foods);

The meeting concluded with a joint call from APEDA and Media Today Group for active participation in the upcoming Global Potato Summit 2025, which will bring together global experts, innovators, and policymakers to chart the next phase of India’s potato revolution.