PepsiCo India Inaugurates USD 81.5 Million Potato Chips Plant in Assam

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially inaugurated PepsiCo India's INR 7.78 billion (USD 81.5 million) potato chips manufacturing facility at Banekuchi in Nalbari district, Assam, on September 10. The plant marks a significant step in the state's industrial development.

Addressing the gathering, Sarma highlighted that completing this major food processing project within three years of laying the foundation stone was a matter of pride for Assam.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam:

"PepsiCo has started its new potato chips manufacturing plant in Assam. This is the first-ever such kind of project in Assam. We laid the foundation stone of this project in 2023. Today we have inaugurated it. It will directly help 5 thousand farmers, and it will also give employment to 700 young people of Assam. I am really grateful to the Pepsi company for choosing Assam. We will work with farmers also so that Assam's potato is only used for this plant. 5 thousand farmers will benefit right away. But the number can be more."

Sarma recalled laying the foundation stone on September 6, 2023, alongside then Industries Minister and local MLA Chandramohan Patowary, and expressed gratitude to PepsiCo for allowing him to inaugurate the facility.

The Chief Minister emphasised the plant's role in strengthening Assam's agricultural ecosystem and creating new opportunities for farmers, beyond employment generation and economic activity. He noted that chips produced at Banekuchi would carry the identity 'Made in Banekuchi, Nalbari, Assam' and be distributed nationwide, enhancing Assam's visibility on India's industrial map. 
 

Plant Creates Jobs and Expands Potato Processing Capacity

Spanning approximately 120 bighas, the plant has created over 200 direct jobs and 500 indirect positions, with women constituting 75% of the workforce. Around 120 women have received specialised digital skills training.

To ensure year-round potato supply, Ross Food Chain Solutions established a 10,000 MT capacity cold storage facility at a cost of INR 350 million (USD 3.7 million), generating 45 direct and 150 indirect jobs.

Himanta Biswa Sarma:

"PepsiCo currently requires around 30,000 MT of potatoes annually, with the requirement expected to rise to 70,000 MT by 2030. Farmers in Nalbari, Kamrup and Darrang will be encouraged to cultivate specialised potato varieties required for chips production. PepsiCo would procure locally produced potatoes at predetermined prices, directly benefiting thousands of farmer families."

The State Government plans to include specialised potato cultivation under crop insurance schemes and will assist farmers via Kisan Credit Cards for purchasing improved seeds. A tripartite agreement between the Assam Government, PepsiCo and State Bank of India supports this initiative. Additional financial assistance or subsidies for farmers are under consideration. 
 

Assam Expands Industrial Investment and Local Employment

On local employment, Sarma highlighted the State Government's focus on industrialisation to reduce youth migration by creating dignified employment and entrepreneurship opportunities within Assam.

He detailed that Assam has attracted investments exceeding INR 5 trillion (USD 52.4 billion) across sectors such as hydrocarbons and petrochemicals at INR 2.86 trillion (USD 30 billion), power at INR 1 trillion (USD 10.5 billion), infrastructure at INR 550 billion (USD 5.8 billion), mining at INR 530 billion (USD 5.6 billion) and electronics at around INR 300 billion (USD 3.1 billion). Approximately INR 3 trillion (USD 31.4 billion) is currently under implementation, with potential employment for nearly 100,000 youths.

The Chief Minister mentioned forthcoming projects, including an INR 500 billion (USD 5.2 billion) thermal power plant at Chapor in Dhubri, a 1.2 million MT fertiliser plant at Namrup, expansion of Numaligarh Refinery, and a semiconductor project at Jagiroad.

Regarding employment and self-reliance, Sarma said the State had provided 170,000 government jobs and is initiating recruitment for an additional 200,000. Through the Chief Minister's Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan, young people receive collateral-free financial assistance of INR 200,000 (USD 2,100) to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship.

Sarma also announced development measures for Nalbari, including INR 25,000 (USD 262) assistance to women's self-help groups and financial support through grants and loans for youth. The government has strengthened flood protection and road connectivity in Banekuchi.

He commended PepsiCo India for completing the project ahead of schedule, promoting women's empowerment and maintaining environmental awareness. 
 

PepsiCo Strengthens Manufacturing Footprint in India

Jagrut Kotecha, Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo India and South Asia:

"The inauguration of our Nalbari facility marks a significant milestone in PepsiCo India's growth journey and reinforces our long-term commitment to India's development story. Assam's strong agricultural foundation, evolving infrastructure and growing economic importance make it a natural choice for our next phase of expansion. Through this investment, we are strengthening our manufacturing footprint while creating a positive ripple effect across the value chain, from farmers and local businesses to women, young talent and communities. We are grateful to the Government of Assam for its partnership, enabling this landmark milestone."

Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah; Minister for Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Biswajit Daimary; MLAs Chandramohan Patowary, Narayan Deka and Taranga Gogoi; PepsiCo India's Chief Executive Officer Jagrut Kotecha; senior government officials, project representatives, and over a thousand local farmers attended the inauguration.