News on The Potato Supply Chain from Asia

The potato shortage in Odisha (India) has eased somewhat after the West Bengal government allowed the supply of potato to other states for a week. Experts suggest increasing local production by using HTPS seeds and improving storage facilities.

Developed by ICAR's Central Potato Research Institute, these new potato varieties aim to boost production, processing potential, and adaptability to warmer climates.

Pioneered by Bangladeshi brand PRAN, this Potato Biscuit category has rapidly expanded in India with major players like ITC and Britannia joining the fray, driven by the product's unique taste and texture. However, potato biscuits are largely absent in the rest of the world.

This high-yielding, biofortified variety is suitable for cultivation across the Northern, Central, and Eastern Plains of India, offering enhanced nutritional benefits and versatile culinary applications.

West Bengal's decision to halt potato supply to other states, particularly BJP-ruled ones, has triggered a political showdown, leading to shortages and price hikes in affected regions.

Despite challenges, the potato Industry in Nepal is undergoing significant developments. Among them: the opening of the first large scale French fry production facility in the country.

Faced with soaring potato prices, India secures a steady supply for three years by extending license-free imports from Bhutan.

Siddhi Vinayak Agri Processing Pvt Ltd (SV Agri) recently spearheaded a pivotal stakeholder consultation workshop on May 15 and 16, 2024.

While the potato production was less this year, the heatwave made transportation a nightmare, with the supply rotting during the transit.

In a first of its kind initiative by any food processor on the Indian subcontinent, the biggest potato processor from the country, Iscon Balaji Foods, has organised a month-long exhaustive farmers’ training programme to share the best agricultural practices for sustainability in the value chain.

M S International - a major exporter of potatoes for processing - has received the prestigious FIEO (WR) Export Excellence Award in the Emerging Exporter (MSME) category for the year 2020-2021.

Koelnmesse Pvt Ltd, organised a 'Partners Forum', that brought together key industry leaders and stakeholders from the food and beverage industry. 

The proposal has passed through negotiations and advanced to the Agriculture Ministry’s 100-Day Agenda.

Hyfun, manufacturer of frozen potato products - such as french fries - based in India announces plans for THREE new processing plants. The new investment will focus on the Indian market. Currently, 70% of Hyfun's revenue comes from exports.

Potato prices in India have increased nearly 50% in a month from March to April.

High input cost and unfavorable weather hit potato output in Bangladesh, with late blight causing added damage.

Koelnmesse India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Koelnmesse GmbH, and the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have joined hands in a landmark collaboration for the upcoming Anuga Select India 2024.

A groundbreaking wind-operated aerial insect trap designed to revolutionize pest management in agriculture has been developed by a team of scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) in Shimla.