Global Potato Summit 2025 Concludes: India’s Potato Industry Enters New Phase of Growth. The Global Potato Summit 2025 concluded as a landmark achievement for India’s agribusiness sector, bringing together over thousands of  potato industry stakeholders,  exhibitors, and participants from more than 25 countries to drive transformation across the entire potato value chain. Held at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from December 11-13, 2025, this inaugural summit marked a pivotal moment in positioning India as a global leader in potato production, processing, and innovation.​ Day One: A Grand Inauguration and Industry Recognition The summit opened on December 11 with remarkable momentum. Shri Shyam Singh Rana, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, formally inaugurated GPS 2025 alongside key government officials and international delegates. The opening ceremony set an inspiring tone, with representation from leading policymakers, global potato experts, ICAR-CPRI, NHRDF, processors, cold chain companies, and technology providers, demonstrating the event’s significance to both domestic and international stakeholders.​ A centerpiece of Day One was the Indian Potato Industry Excellence Awards, a prestigious recognition program honoring outstanding contributors across the entire value chain. These awards went beyond traditional trophies, serving as a strategic platform celebrating leadership, innovation, sustainability, and community impact across farming, seed breeding, processing, machinery, brands, exports, and entrepreneurship. Award categories spanned from Lifetime Achievement and Seed Industry Excellence to Progressive Farmer Leadership and Sustainability Leader awards, recognizing both established industry titans and emerging innovators driving India’s potato ecosystem forward.​ The Day One experience reflected what attendees described as “buzzing registration counters” and “vibrant energy across exhibition stalls,” establishing the summit as a genuine global gathering with authentic momentum. The first day perfectly encapsulated the scale and purpose of bringing the world’s potato industry together under one roof.​   Day Two: Education, Innovation, and the Farmers’ Forum December 12 transformed the event into an Open House for Farmers, fundamentally shifting focus to the farm-level stakeholders who form the foundation of India’s potato economy. This strategic pivot demonstrated the summit’s commitment to inclusive growth, recognizing that sustainable industry advancement requires farmer empowerment and adoption of modern practces​ The Farmers’ Forum featured expert guidance from the International Potato Center (CIP), along with insights from leading institutions including ICAR-CPRI, Technico Agri Sciences, HyFarm, the Potato Technology Centre (Karnal), and industry frontrunners. These sessions addressed practical challenges farmers face daily while showcasing cutting-edge solutions in mechanization, precision agriculture, and climate-smart practices.​ The exhibition zones showcased comprehensive innovations spanning seed technology advancements, agritech solutions including AI-powered monitoring systems and precision farming tools, processing and packaging machinery, cold storage and post-harvest technologies, and sustainability-focused solutions. For Indian exporters and processors, the summit provided invaluable opportunities to understand global demand patterns, certification requirements, pricing trends, and build long-term trade partnerships.​ Day Two also featured the conclusion of the Potato Excellence Awards segment, recognizing exceptional farmers whose leadership, innovation, and contributions have strengthened India’s potato cultivation landscape.​   Day Three: From Exhibition Floor to Farm Reality The summit extended into December 13 with live farm demonstrations and field visits near Hapur in Uttar Pradesh. This hands-on component proved crucial—moving discussions from conference halls to actual farming conditions where new varieties, smart irrigation tools, fertilizers, and high-efficiency machinery could be seen in actual in the farms. Partnering with Agristo, these demonstrations were designed to accelerate adoption of modern technologies, improve farmer profitability, and connect global innovations to local agricultural practices.​ Catalyzing India’s Global Ambitions Throughout the three-day event, discussions centered on India’s second-largest potato production globally and its enormous untapped potential in processing and exports. The summit’s theme, “Empowering India’s Potato Ecosystem for Global Leadership,” resonated across all sessions, addressing critical industry segments including cultivation, storage, processing, packaging, machinery, and exports.​ Expert speakers included renowned industry leaders like Davinder Singh Dosanjh (Mahindra HZPC), N. K. Jha (Technico Agri Sciences), Viktor Kovalev (Potatoes News), Paul Van Eijck (Potatopro), Soundararadajane S (HyFarm), and Sandip Thakker (SK Group) and many more international delegates. Government representation from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), APEDA, and ICAR-CPRI ensured policy discussions aligned with national development objectives.​ The summit deliberately highlighted India’s role in regional and global supply chains while addressing sector challenges including supply chain inefficiencies, high post-harvest losses, inconsistent quality, and underutilized export potential. Sessions explored climate-smart solutions, sustainable farming practices, modern storage infrastructure, digital traceability, and export competitiveness.​ Legacy and Future Vision GPS 2025 established itself as a transformative platform fostering policy alignment, international collaboration, technological advancement, and trade facilitation. With participation from over 25 countries, strong government support, international media coverage, and a comprehensive exhibitor list, the summit created unmatched visibility and business potential for the global potato industry.​ The three-day event successfully positioned the Global Potato Summit as a landmark biennial or recurring gathering capable of competing with international events like Potato Europe in the Netherlands and Potato Days Turkey. More importantly, it laid concrete foundations for India’s ambitious vision to establish leadership as a global potato powerhouse by 2030.

वैश्विक आलू शिखर सम्मेलन 2025 का समापन: भारत की आलू उद्योग ने वृद्धि के नए चरण में प्रवेश किया। वैश्विक आलू शिखर सम्मेलन 2025 ने भारत के कृषि व्यवसाय क्षेत्र के लिए एक मील का पत्थर उपलब्धि के रूप में समाप्ति की, जिसमें 25 से अधिक देशों के हजारों आलू उद्योग के हितधारक, प्रदर्शक और प्रतिभागी शामिल हुए, जो पूरे आलू मूल्य श्रृंखला में परिवर्तन को बढ़ावा देने के लिए एकत्रित हुए। यह सम्मेलन 11 से 13 दिसंबर 2025 तक ग्रेटर नोएडा में इंडिया एक्सपो मार्ट में आयोजित किया गया था, और इस उद्घाटन शिखर सम्मेलन ने आलू उत्पादन, प्रोसेसिंग और नवाचार में भारत को एक वैश्विक नेता के रूप में स्थापित करने में एक महत्वपूर्ण क्षण का प्रतीक बनाया। पहला दिन: भव्य उद्घाटन और उद्योग की मान्यता सम्मेलन का उद्घाटन 11 दिसंबर को अद्वितीय गति के साथ हुआ। श्री श्याम सिंह राणा, माननीय कृषि मंत्री ने प्रमुख सरकारी अधिकारियों और अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतिनिधियों के साथ मिलकर जीपीएस 2025 का औपचारिक उद्घाटन किया। उद्घाटन समारोह ने एक प्रेरणादायक स्वर सेट किया, जिसमें प्रमुख नीति निर्माताओं, वैश्विक आलू विशेषज्ञों, ICAR-CPRI, NHRDF, प्रोसेसर, कोल्ड चेन कंपनियों और प्रौद्योगिकी प्रदाताओं का प्रतिनिधित्व शामिल था, जो घरेलू और अंतरराष्ट्रीय हितधारकों के लिए इस घटना के महत्व को दर्शाता है। पहले दिन का एक मुख्य आकर्षण भारतीय आलू उद्योग उत्कृष्टता पुरस्कार था, जो पूरे मूल्य श्रृंखला मेंOutstanding योगदान देने वालों को मान्यता देने वाला एक प्रतिष्ठित कार्यक्रम है। ये पुरस्कार पारंपरिक ट्रॉफियों से आगे बढ़ते हुए, नेतृत्व, नवाचार, स्थिरता और समुदाय के प्रभाव को मनाने के लिए एक रणनीतिक मंच के रूप में कार्य करते हैं, जो खेती, बीज प्रजनन, प्रोसेसिंग, मशीनरी, ब्रांडों, निर्यात और उद्यमिता में योगदान करते हैं। पुरस्कार श्रेणियाँ जीवन भर की उपलब्धियों और बीज उद्योग उत्कृष्टता से लेकर प्रगतिशील किसान नेतृत्व और स्थिरता के नेताओं तक फैली हुई थीं, जो भारत के आलू पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को आगे बढ़ाने वाले स्थापित उद्योग के दिग्गजों और उभरते नवाचारों दोनों को मान्यता देती हैं। पहला दिन इस अनुभव को दर्शाता है जिसे प्रतिभागियों ने “ buzzing registration counters” और “ exhibition stalls के चारों ओर जीवंत ऊर्जा” के रूप में वर्णित किया, जिससे सम्मेलन को एक सच्चे वैश्विक सभा के रूप में स्थापित किया गया। पहले दिन ने दुनिया के आलू उद्योग को एक छत के नीचे लाने के पैमाने और उद्देश्य को पूरी तरह से संक्षिप्त किया। दूसरा दिन: शिक्षा, नवाचार और किसानों का फोरम 12 दिसंबर ने कार्यक्रम को किसानों के लिए एक ओपन हाउस में बदल दिया, जिसने भारत की आलू अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए आधारभूत किसानों पर ध्यान केंद्रित किया। इस रणनीतिक बदलाव ने सम्मेलन की समावेशी वृद्धि की प्रतिबद्धता को प्रदर्शित किया, यह Recognizing that sustainable industry advancement requires farmer empowerment and adoption of modern practices. किसानों के फोरम में अंतरराष्ट्रीय आलू केंद्र (CIP) से विशेषज्ञ मार्गदर्शन शामिल था, साथ ही प्रमुख संस्थानों जैसे ICAR-CPRI, Technico Agri Sciences, HyFarm, आलू प्रौद्योगिकी केंद्र (कर्णाल) और उद्योग के अग्रदूतों से अंतर्दृष्टि भी पेश की गई। इन सत्रों ने उन व्यावहारिक चुनौतियों को संबोधित किया जिनका सामना किसान रोजाना करते हैं, जबकि मेकेनाइजेशन, प्रिसिशन कृषि और जलवायु-स्मार्ट प्रथाओं में नवीनतम समाधानों को प्रदर्शित किया। प्रदर्शनी क्षेत्र ने बीज प्रौद्योगिकी में नई नवाचारों, एग्रीटेक समाधानों में एआई-शक्ति द्वारा संचालित निगरानी प्रणालियों और प्रिसिशन खेती के उपकरणों, प्रोसेसिंग और पैकेजिंग मशीनरी, कोल्ड स्टोरेज और बाद की फसल प्रौद्योगिकियों, और स्थिरता-केंद्रित समाधानों का एक व्यापक प्रदर्शन किया। भारतीय निर्यातकों और प्रोसेसर के लिए, शिखर सम्मेलन ने वैश्विक मांग पैटर्न, प्रमाणन आवश्यकताओं, मूल्य प्रवृत्तियों को समझने और दीर्घकालिक व्यापार साझेदारी बनाने के लिए अनमोल अवसर प्रदान किए। दूसरे दिन ने आलू उत्कृष्टता पुरस्कार खंड का समापन भी प्रस्तुत किया, जिसमें उत्कृष्ट किसानों को मान्यता दी गई जिनके नेतृत्व, नवाचार और योगदान ने भारत की आलू विकास परिदृश्य को मजबूत किया। तीसरा दिन: प्रदर्शनी फर्श से कृषि वास्तविकता तक सम्मेलन 13 दिसंबर को हापुड़, उत्तर प्रदेश के निकट जीवित कृषि प्रदर्शनों और खेतों में विजिट के साथ जारी रहा। यह हाथों का अनुभव महत्वपूर्ण साबित हुआ — चर्चाओं को सम्मेलन हॉल से वास्तविक कृषि स्थितियों में ले जाना जहां नई किस्में, स्मार्ट सिंचाई उपकरण, उर्वरक और उच्च-प्रदर्शन मशीनरी को खेतों में देखा जा सकता था। Agristo के साथ भागीदारी करते हुए, ये प्रदर्शनों को आधुनिक प्रौद्योगिकियों को अपनाने, किसानों की लाभप्रदता में सुधार और वैश्विक नवाचारों को स्थानीय कृषि प्रथाओं से जोड़ने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया था। भारत की वैश्विक आकांक्षाओं को उत्प्रेरित करना तीन दिवसीय कार्यक्रम के दौरान, चर्चा भारत की वैश्विक स्तर पर आलू उत्पादन में दूसरे स्थान के साथ-साथ प्रोसेसिंग और निर्यात में इसके विशाल अतरिक्त संभावनाओं पर केंद्रित रही। शिखर सम्मेलन का विषय, “भारत के आलू पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को वैश्विक नेतृत्व के लिए सशक्त बनाना” सभी सत्रों में गूंजता रहा, जिसमें कृषि, भंडारण, प्रोसेसिंग, पैकेजिंग, मशीनरी और निर्यात जैसे महत्वपूर्ण उद्योग खंड शामिल थे। विशेषज्ञ वक्ताओं में प्रमुख उद्योग नेता शामिल थे, जैसे दविंदर सिंह दोसांझ (महिंद्रा HZPC), एन.के. झा (Technico Agri Sciences), विक्टर कोवालेव (Potatoes News), पॉल वान आइज्क (Potatopro), साउंडराराजा जने एस (HyFarm) और संदीप थक्कर (SK Group) और कई और अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतिनिधि। वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय, खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योग मंत्रालय (MoFPI), APEDA और ICAR-CPRI से सरकारी प्रतिनिधित्व ने यह सुनिश्चित किया कि नीति चर्चाएँ राष्ट्रीय विकास उद्देश्यों के साथ संरेखित हों। शिखर सम्मेलन ने जानबूझकर क्षेत्रीय और वैश्विक आपूर्ति श्रृंखलाओं में भारत की भूमिका को उजागर करते हुए, आपूर्ति श्रृंखला की अक्षमताएँ, उच्च बाद की फसल हानि, असंगत गुणवत्ता और अधूरा निर्यात संभावनाओं जैसे क्षेत्र चुनौतियों का समाधान किया। सत्रों ने जलवायु-स्मार्ट समाधान, स्थायी कृषि प्रथाओं, आधुनिक भंडारण अवसंरचना, डिजिटल ट्रेसबिलिटी, और निर्यात प्रतिस्पर्धात्मकता का पता लगाया। विरासत और भविष्य का दृष्टिकोण जीपीएस 2025 ने नीति संरेखण, अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहयोग, तकनीकी उन्नति, और व्यापार संवर्धन को बढ़ावा देने वाला एक परिवर्तनकारी मंच के रूप में अपनी स्थिति स्थापित की। 25 से अधिक देशों की भागीदारी, मजबूत सरकारी समर्थन, अंतरराष्ट्रीय मीडिया कवरेज, और एक व्यापक प्रदर्शक सूची के साथ, शिखर सम्मेलन ने वैश्विक आलू उद्योग के लिए unparalleled visibility और व्यापार संभावनाओं का निर्माण किया। तीन दिवसीय कार्यक्रम ने वैश्विक आलू शिखर सम्मेलन को एक मील का पत्थर के रूप में सफलतापूर्वक स्थापित किया, जो आलू यूरोप (नीदरलैंड) और आलू डेज तुर्की जैसे अंतरराष्ट्रीय घटनाओं के साथ प्रतिस्पर्धा करने में सक्षम है। इससे भी महत्वपूर्ण बात यह कि इसने भारत के महत्वाकांक्षी दृष्टिकोण के लिए ठोस नींव रखी कि वह 2030 तक वैश्विक आलू शक्ति के रूप में नेतृत्व स्थापित करे।

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However, the current farm-gate prices are hovering around ₹6 to ₹7 per kilogram. According to local agricultural representatives, these rates barely cover the basic input costs—seeds, fertilizers, diesel, and labor. Jaswinder Sangha, a prominent voice in the Jalandhar Potato Growers Association, has pointed out that at these rates, there is zero profit margin. “We are just at par with the expenses,” he noted, reflecting a sentiment shared by thousands. Without a profit margin, farmers find it impossible to reinvest in the next cropping cycle or service the high-interest loans often taken from local commission agents or banks. A Nationwide Surplus The crisis is not confined to Punjab alone. Agriculture is a national network, and this year, several major potato-producing states—including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha—are assumed to report higher-than-average production. Link Historically, Punjab has served as the “seed hub” for the rest of the country. Doaba farmers take pride in producing high-quality seeds that are exported to the eastern and southern states. However, logistical hurdles and political events elsewhere have disrupted this vital trade link. For instance, recent elections in Bihar and labor shortages in West Bengal have slowed down the off-loading of Punjab’s seed consignments. Delays in transportation, exacerbated by unseasonal weather in some regions, have led to some supplies rotting in transit, adding physical loss to financial injury. The Double-Edged Sword of Technology Interestingly, the very innovations that have made Doaba farmers world leaders in potato production are now contributing to the oversupply. The region has seen a surge in the use of advanced agricultural technologies. Many farmers have established private tissue culture laboratories, allowing them to multiply high-yield varieties sourced from the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Kufri. Techniques like aeroponics—growing plants in an air or mist environment without soil—have also gained traction, significantly boosting the output of virus-free potato seeds. While this technological leap exemplifies the Punjab farmer’s progressive mindset, it has also led to a production capacity that currently outstrips the market’s ability to consume or export. The Weather Factor: A Fickle Friend In a typical year, farmers worry about “Late Blight,” a devastating fungal disease triggered by fog, smog, and frost. This year, the weather has been unusually clear. While the absence of blight is a relief, it also means that the survival rate of the crop is nearly 100%. As Jang Bahadur Sangha, one of the region’s largest growers, observed, if the weather remains clear for another fortnight, the region will see a massive bumper crop of varieties like Kufri Chandramukhi, Kufri Jyoti, and Diamond. In a stable market, this would be a windfall. In a saturated market, every extra bag of potatoes harvested further depresses the price, turning nature’s bounty into an economic burden. The Consumer-Politician Nexus vs. The Grower There is a growing sense of frustration among farmers regarding the “demand-supply ratio.” While low potato prices are a boon for urban consumers and a relief for politicians looking to keep food inflation in check, the grower is the one subsidizing this cheap food with their own losses. Farmers argue that there is a lack of a robust government intervention mechanism to stabilize prices during a glut. Unlike wheat and paddy, which benefit from the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and government procurement, potatoes are largely left to the mercy of the open market. When the market fails, the farmer has no safety net. Summary The potato farmers of Doaba are among the most resilient and innovative in the world. They have turned a humble tuber into a regional powerhouse. Yet, as they stand amidst fields of plenty, they face a future of uncertainty. The sight of farm workers diligently gathering the new harvest should be one of prosperity, but without structural changes to the market and government support, it remains a cycle of struggle. For the Doaba farmer, the hope now rests on a miracle of the market—or perhaps a lesson for the policy-makers: that a bumper crop should never be a cause for worry in a country that prides itself on its agricultural heritage. Until then, the surplus stocks remain a heavy weight on the shoulders of those who feed the nation. Inputs from : The Tribune

पंजाब के दोआबा आलू किसानों के लिए बम्पर फसल क्यों परेशानी का सबब बन रही है। पंजाब के उपजाऊ दोआबा क्षेत्र के दिल में आलू की फसल कटाई का मौसम आमतौर पर व्यस्तता और आर्थिक आशा का समय होता है। हालाँकि, इस वर्ष जलंधर और कपूरथला के फैले हुए हरे खेतों में गहरी चिंता की भावना छाई हुई है। इस "आलू बेल्ट" के किसानों के लिए, पिछले वर्ष के बचे हुए स्टॉक्स और इस मौसम में असाधारण उच्च उत्पादन की संभावना ने abundance की एक विरोधाभासी संकट उत्पन्न कर दिया है। जबकि बम्पर फसल को आमतौर पर मनाया जाता है, पंजाब के आलू उत्पादकों के लिए, यह वित्तीय संकट का एक सूचक बन गया है। बाजार इस समय एक आपूर्ति-प्रतिदान असंतुलन का सामना कर रहा है जो कृषि द्वार मूल्य को उत्पादन लागत से नीचे धकेलने की धमकी दे रहा है, जिससे कई लोग अपने कड़ी मेहनत की व्यवहार्यता पर सवाल उठा रहे हैं। पिछले वर्ष का अधिशेष वर्तमान संकट की जड़ें पिछले कृषि चक्र के अंत में हैं। पिछले वर्ष, पंजाब ने एक अत्यधिक उत्पादक मौसम का अनुभव किया, लेकिन बाजार ने फसल के संपूर्ण स्टॉक को समाहित करने में असफलता दिखाई। आलू की महत्वपूर्ण मात्रा कोल्ड स्ट...
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The Story of McPatel Foods: A Partnership Forged in Europe. McPatel Foods emerged in 2023 from a shared vision among four founders aimed at revolutionizing the frozen food sector within the Indian market. The company’s vision, conceived collectively by the four directors and founders—Karan Sarodia, Aditya Patel, Kirit Haraniya, and Jignesh Patel—was explicitly defined to provide the best quality products to Indian customers while simultaneously focusing on the export market. The company established its operations specifically focusing on frozen French fries. The creation of McPatel Foods was the result of a singular, impactful trip undertaken by the four directors. They were already acquainted, coming from different industries. This pivotal moment occurred when they all attended the Anuga Europe trade fair, in late 2023, with the intention of exploring the frozen food market. It was during this exploration that the idea for McPatel Foods was conceived, leading to the birth of the company. Founders attribute the company’s existence directly to this journey, stating that if the Anuga trip had not happened, the company likely would not be where it is today. Following the trip, the founders collectively decided to establish the company and introduce their brand for processed potato products to the market. Corporate Identity and Director Insight The name “Mc Patel” itself reflects a core aspect of the company’s identity, as the founders “belong to the Patel family”. The directors, whose home state is Gujarat, leverage their local heritage and connections. Their background allows them to have a strong “connect and reach with the farmers and with everyone”. The directors are not only founders but are deeply invested in the operational side, particularly concerning raw material sourcing and farming relationships. Vision, Implementation, and Rapid Growth Despite being a young company, McPatel demonstrated rapid execution, a hallmark of their early operations. With a strong vision, the company initiated its production facility within a year of its inception, ensuring the facility was equipped with “all the best-in-class machineries”. They successfully launched both domestic and export sales within the year of starting production. The current production facility demonstrates a significant capacity even in its initial phase. The facility currently utilizes raw potatoes at a rate of 10 to 12 tons per hour. This raw material consumption translates into finished goods output of 5 tons per hour of frozen French fries. Additionally, recognizing the complementary nature of potato processing, McPatel also established a line for dehydrated potato flakes, currently running at a capacity of 500 kg per hour. Deep Commitment to Contract Farming A critical element of McPatel’s operation and philosophy is its integrated approach to raw material sourcing, centred on contract farming. Given that the founders belong to the Patel family and are closely connected to the farming community, this relationship is foundational. McPatel actively engages in contract farming with producers in Gujarat and neighbouring states. This partnership goes beyond simple purchasing; the company provides significant support to the farmers. Specifically, McPatel helps farmers grow by supplying essential raw materials, such as the specialized potato seeds needed for processing. Furthermore, the company aids them with knowledge regarding plantations and farming techniques. The commitment is cemented by a buy-back agreement, where McPatel purchases the raw potatoes produced under these contracts for use in their factories. This strategy ensures a consistent, high-quality supply of potatoes necessary for best-in-class frozen products. The company has emphasized its plan to “grow with our farmers”. Ambitious Future Expansion Plans McPatel Foods has laid out highly ambitious expansion goals slated for implementation within the coming three years. This expansion is multifaceted, targeting increased raw material handling, greater output of existing products, and diversification into new product lines. The planned expansion will dramatically increase the raw potato processing capability. The current consumption of 10 to 12 tons of raw material per hour is intended to expand substantially, reaching a future capacity of 40 to 50 tons of raw material (potatoes) per hour. In terms of finished goods, the frozen French fries line will see a major upgrade. An additional production line is planned, which will add approximately 20 tons per hour of capacity for frozen French fries. Complementing this, the dehydrated potato flake line is also set for expansion, targeting an increased capacity up to 1.2 tons per hour. Significantly, the expansion includes diversification into specialized products. The company plans to introduce a potato speciality line, which will include products such as hash browns, burger patties , aloo Tikki, and other potato speciality products. This comprehensive expansion plan, projected to be completed within two years, underlines McPatel’s commitment to capturing a larger share of the developing Indian frozen food market.

मैकपटेल फूड्स की कहानी: यूरोप में एक साझेदारी का निर्माण मैकपटेल फूड्स 2023 में चार संस्थापकों के बीच साझा दृष्टिकोण से उभरा, जिसका उद्देश्य भारतीय बाजार में जमी हुई खाद्य पदार्थों के क्षेत्र में क्रांति लाना था। कंपनी का दृष्टिकोण, जिसे चार निदेशकों और संस्थापकों — करण सारोड़िया, आदित्य पटेल, कीरत हरनिया, और जिनेश पटेल — द्वारा सामूहिक रूप से विकसित किया गया था, को स्पष्ट रूप से परिभाषित किया गया था ताकि भारतीय ग्राहकों को सर्वोत्तम गुणवत्ता वाले उत्पाद प्रदान किए जा सकें, साथ ही निर्यात बाजार पर भी ध्यान केंद्रित किया जा सके। कंपनी ने विशेष रूप से जमी हुई आलू फ्राइज़ पर ध्यान केंद्रित करते हुए अपने संचालन की स्थापना की। मैकपटेल फूड्स का निर्माण चार निदेशकों द्वारा किए गए एक विशेष, प्रभावशाली यात्रा का परिणाम था। वे पहले से ही अलग-अलग उद्योगों से परिचित थे। यह महत्वपूर्ण क्षण तब हुआ जब वे सभी 2023 के अंत में अनुगा यूरोप व्यापार मेले में भाग लेने गए, जिसका उद्देश्य जमी हुई खाद्य पदार्थों के बाजार का अन्वेषण करना था। इसी अन्वेषण के दौरान मैकपटेल फूड्स का विचार उत्पन्न हुआ, जिससे कंपनी क...
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West Bengal’s Sanjoy Guha Roy Identifies Why Potato Crops Fail Every Year. In India, the potato is more than just a vegetable—it is a staple, a livelihood, and a cornerstone of food security—a silent enemy has long eluded the grasp of science. For decades, farmers in the Indo-Gangetic plains have watched in despair as their lush green fields turned into a blackened, rotting mass within days. This devastation is caused by Late Blight, a disease triggered by the notorious oomycete Phytophthora infestans. While the symptoms were well-known, the source of the recurring infection remained a subject of intense debate. A groundbreaking study led by Professor Sanjoy Guha Roy from the Department of Botany at West Bengal State University (Barasat) has finally unmasked the culprit. Published in the prestigious journal Phytopathology—the century-old flagship publication of the American Phytopathological Society—the research identifies seed potatoes as the primary reservoir for the disease. Specifically, the study reveals that even “high-tech” seed potatoes, produced under laboratory conditions, harbor hidden, dormant infections that bridge the gap between cropping seasons. The Historical Ghost and Modern Economic Toll To understand the weight of this discovery, one must look back at the 1840s. Phytophthora infestans was the primary cause of the Great Irish Potato Famine, which led to the death of over a million people and changed the course of history through mass migration. In modern India, the second-largest potato producer in the world, the pathogen remains a formidable foe. Link According to the research team, Late Blight claims approximately 15% of India’s total potato production annually. In monetary terms, this translates to a staggering loss of roughly ₹2,700 crore. In years where the disease takes an epidemic form, the losses can be even more catastrophic, pushing debt-ridden farmers to the brink of suicide. Despite the use of expensive fungicides, the disease frequently returns, leading scientists to ask: where does the pathogen hide during the blistering Indian summer when the soil temperature becomes too high for it to survive? The Myth of Soil-Borne Survival In many parts of the world, Late Blight survives in the soil through thick-walled structures called oospores. However, in the tropical and sub-tropical plains of India, the intense heat of the “off-season” (summer) was long thought to be lethal to the pathogen. Some experts theorized that the infection migrated every year from the cooler Himalayan regions or survived in alternative host plants. Professor Guha Roy’s research has effectively debunked these theories for the Indian plains. Through rigorous soil testing and experimental trials under high-temperature conditions, the team found no evidence of the pathogen surviving in the soil between seasons. Instead, they turned their attention to the seed tubers themselves. The study involved testing over 7,000 seed potatoes that appeared perfectly healthy to the naked eye. Using advanced molecular diagnostics and genetic analysis, the researchers discovered that approximately 1.6% of these “healthy” seeds were actually asymptomatic carriers. These tubers contained the pathogen in a dormant state, waiting for the cooler, humid conditions of the winter planting season to reactivate and spread to the rest of the crop. The Paradox of High-Tech Seed Production One of the most alarming findings of the study is that even modern seed production systems are not immune. Today, many farmers rely on seeds produced via tissue culture in specialized labs. These “Pre-Basic” seeds are initially pathogen-free. However, before they reach the farmer, they must be “multiplied” in the field or in greenhouses (often called net-houses or glasshouses) to produce enough volume for commercial sale. Link The researchers identified this multiplication phase as the critical point of failure. In many potato-growing regions, such as Punjab and West Bengal, these seed-multiplication nurseries are located in close proximity to commercial potato fields. During the growing season, spores from infected commercial crops can easily find their way into the supposedly “protected” greenhouses through wind or human activity. Once the seed plants are infected, the pathogen hitches a ride inside the newly formed tubers, where it remains hidden throughout the summer storage period. The European Connection: A More Aggressive Lineage The research also provided a genetic profile of the enemy. The dominant strain currently wreaking havoc in India belongs to the “European clonal lineage,” specifically the genotype known as EU_13_A2. This lineage is significantly more aggressive than the strains previously found in India. It is also notably resistant to Metalaxyl, one of the most commonly used and affordable fungicides. The presence of this lineage explains why recent outbreaks have been so swift and difficult to control. By surviving inside the seed potato, this aggressive strain ensures its survival across seasons, effectively “seeding” the next epidemic even before the farmer has finished planting. Identifying the “Stem Lesion” Clue The study sheds light on how the disease begins its visible assault. In many cases, the infection starts not on the leaves, but as small, dark lesions on the stem of the plant. These stem lesions often go unnoticed by farmers in the early stages. However, they serve as a factory for spores that quickly wash down into the soil or blow across the field, leading to the rapid-fire destruction characteristic of Late Blight. The identification of stem-focused infection pathways is crucial for improving early warning systems. If farmers can be trained to look for these early indicators on the stems of emerging plants, they may be able to take preventative action before the entire field is compromised. A Roadmap for the Future The recognition of Professor Guha Roy’s work as an “Editor’s Pick” in Phytopathology highlights its global significance. It provides a clear directive for policymakers and agricultural scientists in India and other developing nations. To break the cycle of Late Blight, the following steps are essential: Stricter Certification and Monitoring: Current seed certification processes must include molecular testing for asymptomatic infections. Relying on visual inspection alone is clearly insufficient. Strategic Relocation of Nurseries: Seed multiplication should be moved to “blight-free” zones or areas geographically isolated from commercial potato crops to prevent cross-contamination. Modern Diagnostic Kits: There is an urgent need to develop affordable, field-level diagnostic kits that can help seed producers and government agencies identify latent infections in stored tubers. Integrated Management: Since the pathogen is now known to be seed-borne, farmers should be encouraged to use certified, tested seeds and adopt “prophylactic” (preventative) fungicide applications rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Conclusion The work of the West Bengal State University research team marks a turning point in the fight against one of the world’s most devastating plant diseases. By identifying the humble seed potato as the secret hideout for Phytophthora infestans, they have provided the missing link in the epidemiological chain. As India strives to ensure food security for its growing population, protecting the potato crop is non-negotiable. This discovery not only honors the scientific excellence emerging from Bengal but also offers a beacon of hope for millions of farmers whose livelihoods depend on the health of their tubers. The “Silent Saboteur” has been found; the next challenge lies in making sure it has nowhere left to hide.

पश्चिम बंगाल के संजय गुहा रॉय ने पहचान की है कि हर साल आलू की फसलें क्यों असफल होती हैं। भारत में, आलू केवल एक सब्जी नहीं है—यह एक मुख्य खाद्य पदार्थ, जीवन यापन का साधन और खाद्य सुरक्षा का आधार है—एक मौन दुश्मन लंबे समय से विज्ञान की पकड़ से बाहर रहा है। दशकों से, इंडो-गंगेय मैदानों में किसान निराशा से देखते आ रहे हैं जब उनकी हरी-भरी फसलें कुछ ही दिनों में काले, सड़ते ढेर में बदल जाती हैं। यह विनाश लेट ब्लाइट द्वारा होता है, जो कुख्यात ओमीसाइट फाइटोफ्थोरा इंफेस्टन्स द्वारा उत्प्रेरित बीमारी है। जबकि लक्षण अच्छे से ज्ञात थे, पुनरावर्ती संक्रमण का स्रोत गहन बहस का विषय बना रहा। पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य विश्वविद्यालय (बराकपुर) के वनस्पति विज्ञान विभाग के प्रोफेसर संजय गुहा रॉय द्वारा किए गए एक क्रांतिकारी अध्ययन ने अंततः दोषी को बेनकाब कर दिया है। प्रतिष्ठित जर्नल फाइटोपैथोलॉजी में प्रकाशित—अमेरिकन फाइटोपैथोलॉजिकल सोसाइटी का शताब्दी पुराना प्रमुख प्रकाशन—यह शोध बीमारियों के प्राथमिक भंडार के रूप में आलू के बीजों की पहचान करता है। विशेष रूप से, अध्ययन में यह खुलासा किया गया है कि यहां तक कि “उच्...
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