New Delhi, September 7: India is exploring ways to give potatoes a stronger position in the modern food market by promoting the crop as a nutritious and versatile food, with the broader objective of increasing consumer demand and improving returns for small farmers.The initiative was discussed during a meeting involving Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, officials of the Agriculture Ministry and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and representatives of the International Potato Center (CIP).
The discussions focused on moving beyond the traditional perception of potatoes and developing stronger branding and market strategies for the crop. The approach is expected to target both urban and rural consumers and encourage greater value addition across the potato supply chain.Greater demand for potatoes and potato-based products could create additional opportunities for farmers, processors and other participants in the agricultural sector.
The emphasis is also on ensuring that increased market opportunities translate into better economic benefits for small growers.Welcoming the CIP delegation to India, Chouhan expressed appreciation for the organisation’s cooperation and highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Agriculture Ministry, ICAR and CIP.The minister expressed confidence that joint efforts could contribute to agricultural development not only in India but also across South Asia and other parts of the world.
The International Potato Center brings expertise in potato research and agricultural innovation, while ICAR provides a broad network of agricultural research institutions in India. Their cooperation could support improvements in production, varieties, technology, climate resilience, processing and market development.
The meeting was attended by Horticulture Commissioner Dr Prabhat Kumar and National Horticulture Board Managing Director Kapil Meena.Representatives of the International Potato Center included Yanmin Xi, Director of the CIP-China Center for Asia and the Pacific; Joyce Maru, Regional Director for Africa; Wien Poller, Regional Director for Latin America; and Neeraj Sharma, CIP’s India Country Manager.
The initiative comes amid efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains by linking research, production, processing and markets. For potato growers, improved market access and value addition could provide avenues for increasing the economic value of their produce.
The government and its research partners are expected to focus on building stronger connections between scientific research, farmers and the food industry so that India’s potato sector can develop greater commercial and nutritional significance.
