Noida Airport to Support Potato Exports from Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is preparing dedicated infrastructure at Noida International Airport in Jewar to facilitate potato exports from the state’s major production areas. A separate facility for potato export processing and certification is planned at the airport, which is expected to make it easier for farmers and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) to access international markets.

The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has proposed a 50-acre Agri Export Hub near the airport’s cargo terminal. The proposed hub will include food processing and packaging facilities, as well as gamma-radiation treatment equipment for fresh produce. The infrastructure is intended to support exports to markets including West Asia, Russia and Europe.

Jewar Airport to Improve Access to Export Markets

Uttar Pradesh produces more than 20 million tonnes of potatoes annually and is India's leading potato-producing state. Potato varieties from the state, including 3797 and Surya, have gained access to international markets after meeting quality requirements. Processing varieties such as Frysona and Fry Home are also being prepared for export and are used in French fries and potato chips.

The state's 17 major potato-producing districts are expected to benefit from the proposed export infrastructure. Aligarh, one of the major potato-producing areas, is located about 76 kilometres from Jewar Airport. The district currently has around 650,000 tonnes of potatoes stored across 126 cold stores. 

The proposed airport facility is expected to reduce the need for farmers and FPOs to travel to other cities for export procedures. According to the report, Jewar's connectivity with the Palwal Highway and Yamuna Expressway could also help move potatoes from the production belt to the airport.

Aligarh Prepares Potato Shipments to Bahrain

Agri Shine FPO recently shipped 12 quintals of potatoes to Bahrain by air, with the consignment routed through Lucknow Airport. The planned export infrastructure at Jewar could allow Aligarh farmers and FPOs to use the nearby airport for future air shipments.

Aligarh is also preparing a 30-tonne shipment of Frysona and Fry Home potatoes to Bahrain. However, this consignment will be transported by containerised sea freight rather than by air, according to Agri Shine FPO director Jitendra Awasthi. 

The development of export facilities at Jewar is expected to provide potato growers and FPOs in Uttar Pradesh with an additional route to international markets while supporting the export of processing-grade potato varieties.

Sea Freight: The Most Common Mode of Transportation of Potatoes and Potato Products

Sea freight is the most common mode of transportation for exporting potatoes and potato products, particularly for large-volume shipments. Compared with air freight, containerised sea transport is generally more economical for bulk consignments, including fresh potatoes and processed products such as French fries and potato chips. Air freight is typically used for smaller or time-sensitive shipments. The planned export infrastructure at Jewar could give Uttar Pradesh’s farmers and FPOs better access to international markets especially when delivery is urgent.