How Ohh! Potato and TraceX are Transforming India’s Potato Supply Chain. In India, the humble potato is more than just a kitchen staple; it is a vital economic engine. As India cements its position as one of the world’s largest potato producers, the industry faces a modern crossroads: the need for greater transparency, food safety, and efficiency. To meet these challenges, Ohh! Potato, a prominent processing brand under McPatel Foods, has announced a strategic partnership with TraceX Technologies. This collaboration aims to digitize the entire potato supply chain using blockchain technology, setting a new benchmark for the agri-food sector in India. A Digital Leap for Potato Processing In India The partnership represents a significant shift from traditional, often opaque potato practices to a data-driven ecosystem. By integrating TraceX’s blockchain-enabled traceability platform into its operations, McPatel Foods is moving toward a future where every potato can be tracked from the moment it is planted in the soil to the time it reaches the processing facility and, eventually, the consumer. Blockchain technology acts as an immutable digital ledger. Unlike traditional record-keeping, which is prone to human error or manipulation, blockchain ensures that every data point—be it seed quality, fertilizer usage, or harvest date—is recorded securely. This level of integrity is crucial for a brand like Ohh! Potato, which relies on consistent quality to maintain its market position in the competitive snacks and processing industry. Strengthening the Farm-to-Fork Connection One of the most immediate benefits of this partnership is the empowerment of the potato farmer network. India’s potato supply chains are historically fragmented, with vital information often lost between multiple intermediaries. The TraceX platform provides McPatel Foods with real-time visibility into potato farm-level activities. For potato farmers, this digitization means better agronomic support. With accurate data on crop performance and soil health, Ohh! Potato can provide more tailored advice, helping farmers improve yields and reduce waste. Furthermore, by documenting sustainable farming practices, farmers can prove the value of their produce, potentially opening doors to performance-based incentives and premium markets.   View The Full History Of Potatoes at McPatel Click Here Enhancing Food Safety and Quality Assurance For the processing side of the business, consistency is king. The quality of a processed potato product—whether it be chips, fries, or flakes—is directly linked to the raw material’s characteristics, such as starch content and moisture levels. By having a “digital twin” of the crop before it even arrives at the factory, McPatel Foods can optimize its processing schedules and parameters. If a specific batch of potatoes shows certain characteristics on the digital ledger, the plant can adjust its machinery accordingly, reducing operational risk and ensuring that every bag of Ohh! Potato products meets high-quality standards. Moreover, in an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about food safety, the ability to provide verifiable proof of origin is a massive competitive advantage. If a quality issue ever arises, the blockchain system allows the company to trace the problem back to the specific farm or batch in seconds, rather than days, ensuring rapid response and consumer protection. Leadership and Vision The driving force behind this transformative initiative is Vaibhav Trambadiya, Co-Founder & Head Business Transformation, McPatel Foods Private Limited. Mr. Trambadiya spearheaded the strategic vision to leverage cutting-edge technology, like TraceX’s blockchain platform, to address the systemic challenges of transparency and efficiency in the potato supply chain. His leadership was crucial in aligning the operational needs of Ohh! Potato with the robust traceability solutions required to meet both domestic quality standards and evolving global sustainability mandates. Meeting Global Standards and Sustainability Goals in Potato Industry The global market is changing. International buyers and domestic retailers are no longer satisfied with simple verbal assurances of quality. They demand documented evidence of sustainability and ethical sourcing. The Ohh! Potato and TraceX partnership is a proactive response to these evolving regulatory and commercial expectations. As sustainability becomes a central pillar of corporate strategy, the ability to track the environmental footprint of a crop—such as water usage and chemical inputs—is becoming mandatory. The TraceX platform allows McPatel Foods to build “verifiable sustainability credentials.” This not only helps in complying with international food safety standards but also positions the brand as a leader in responsible agribusiness. A Roadmap for the Future of Indian Potato Processing. The collaboration between McPatel Foods and TraceX Technologies is more than just a corporate deal; it is a blueprint for the modernization of the Indian horticultural sector. It highlights the convergence of agri-tech (digital infrastructure) and food processing (scale and sourcing). As the demand for processed potato products continues to surge in India, driven by urbanization and changing dietary habits, the supply chain must evolve. Moving away from manual, paper-based processes toward digital transparency is no longer an “optional add-on”—it is a necessity for survival and growth. Summary The partnership between Ohh! Potato and TraceX marks a milestone in India’s journey toward a resilient, future-ready food system. By leveraging blockchain to create a “glass pipeline” from farm to factory, the two companies are addressing the core challenges of transparency, efficiency, and trust. For the consumer, it means a safer and higher-quality product. For the farmer, it means better support and fairer valuation. For the industry, it signals a new era where technology and tradition work hand-in-hand to feed a growing nation while meeting the highest global standards. As other players in the agri-food space look on, the McPatel–TraceX initiative stands as a powerful example of how digital innovation can transform the humble potato into a symbol of modern, sustainable agriculture.

कैसे ओह! आलू और ट्रेसएक्स भारत की आलू आपूर्ति श्रृंखला को परिवर्तित कर रहे हैं। भारत में, साधारण आलू केवल रसोई का मुख्य भोजन नहीं है; यह एक महत्वपूर्ण आर्थिक इंजन है। जैसे-जैसे भारत दुनिया के सबसे बड़े आलू उत्पादकों में अपनी स्थिति मजबूत कर रहा है, उद्योग एक आधुनिक मोड़ पर है: बेहतर पारदर्शिता, खाद्य सुरक्षा और दक्षता की आवश्यकता। इन चुनौतियों का सामना करने के लिए, ओह! आलू, जो कि मैकपेटल फूड्स के तहत एक प्रमुख प्रोसेसिंग ब्रांड है, ने ट्रेसएक्स टेक्नोलॉजीज के साथ एक सामरिक साझेदारी की घोषणा की है। यह सहयोग ब्लॉकचेन तकनीक का उपयोग करके पूरे आलू आपूर्ति श्रृंखला को डिजिटल बनाने का लक्ष्य रखता है, जो भारत के कृषि-खाद्य क्षेत्र के लिए एक नई मानक स्थापित करता है। भारत में आलू प्रोसेसिंग के लिए एक डिजिटल छलांग यह साझेदारी पारंपरिक, अक्सर अस्पष्ट आलू प्रथाओं से डेटा-आधारित पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र की दिशा में एक महत्वपूर्ण बदलाव का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है। ट्रेसएक्स के ब्लॉकचेन-सक्षम ट्रेसेबलिटी प्लेटफॉर्म को अपनी संचालन में शामिल करके, मैकपेटल फूड्स एक ऐसे भविष्य की ओर बढ़ रहा है जहाँ हर आलू को मिट्टी में लगाए जाने के क्षण से लेकर प्रोसेसिंग सुविधा तक पहुँचने और अंततः उपभोक्ता तक पहुँचने तक ट्रैक किया जा सकता है। ब्लॉकचेन तकनीक एक अपरिवर्तनीय डिजिटल पंजीकरण के रूप में कार्य करती है। पारंपरिक रिकॉर्ड-कीपिंग की तुलना में, जो मानवीय त्रुटियों या हेरफेर के प्रति संवेदनशील होती है, ब्लॉकचेन यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि हर डेटा बिंदु—चाहे वह बीज की गुणवत्ता हो, उर्वरक का उपयोग हो, या कटाई की तिथि हो—सुरक्षित रूप से रिकॉर्ड किया जाए। यह स्तर की सच्चाई ओह! आलू जैसे ब्रांड के लिए अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण है, जो प्रतिस्पर्धात्मक स्नैक्स और प्रोसेसिंग उद्योग में अपने बाजार स्थान को बनाए रखने के लिए निरंतर गुणवत्ता पर निर्भर करता है। फार्म-टू-फॉर्क कनेक्शन को मजबूत बनाना इस साझेदारी के सबसे तत्काल लाभों में से एक आलू किसान नेटवर्क को सशक्त बनाना है। भारत की आलू आपूर्ति श्रृंखलाएँ ऐतिहासिक रूप से खंडित हैं, जिसमें महत्वपूर्ण जानकारी अक्सर कई मध्यस्थों के बीच खो जाती है। ट्रेसएक्स प्लेटफॉर्म मैकपेटल फूड्स को आलू के खेत स्तर की गतिविधियों में वास्तविक समय की दृश्यता प्रदान करता है। आलू किसानों के लिए, यह डिजिटलीकरण बेहतर कृषि समर्थन का मतलब है। फसल के प्रदर्शन और मिट्टी की सेहत पर सटीक डेटा के साथ, ओह! आलू अधिक व्यक्तिगत सलाह प्रदान कर सकता है, किसानों को उपज बढ़ाने और अपव्यय कम करने में मदद कर सकता है। इसके अतिरिक्त, सतत कृषि प्रथाओं का दस्तावेजीकरण करके, किसान अपनी उपज के मूल्य को साबित कर सकते हैं, संभावित रूप से प्रदर्शन-आधारित प्रोत्साहनों और प्रीमियम बाजारों के दरवाजे खोल सकते हैं। खाद्य सुरक्षा और गुणवत्ता आश्वासन में सुधार व्यवसाय के प्रोसेसिंग हिस्से के लिए, स्थिरता सर्वोपरि है। प्रोसेस किए गए आलू उत्पाद की गुणवत्ता—चाहे वह चिप्स हों, फ्राइज़ हों, या फ्लेक्स हों—सीधे कच्चे माल के गुणों से जुड़ी होती है, जैसे स्टार्च सामग्री और नमी के स्तर। फैक्ट्री में आने से पहले ही फसल के “डिजिटल ट्विन” के माध्यम से, मैकपेटल फूड्स अपनी प्रोसेसिंग शेड्यूल और पैरामीटर को अनुकूलित कर सकता है। यदि आलू के किसी विशेष बैच में डिजिटल लेजर पर विशेष विशेषताएँ दिखती हैं, तो संयंत्र अपनी मशीनरी को तदनुसार समायोजित कर सकता है, संचालन के जोखिम को कम कर सकता है और यह सुनिश्चित कर सकता है कि ओह! आलू उत्पादों के हर बैग की उच्च गुणवत्ता मानकों पर खरा उतरे। अतिरिक्त, एक युग में जहाँ उपभोक्ता खाद्य सुरक्षा के बारे में अधिक चिंतित हैं, उत्पत्ति का सही प्रमाण प्रदान करने की क्षमता एक विशाल प्रतिस्पर्धात्मक लाभ है। यदि कभी कोई गुणवत्ता संबंधी समस्या उत्पन्न होती है, तो ब्लॉकचेन प्रणाली कंपनी को समस्या को विशेष खेत या बैच तक सेकंडों में ट्रेस करने की अनुमति देती है, न कि दिनों में, त्वरित प्रतिक्रिया और उपभोक्ता सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करती है। नेतृत्व और दृष्टि इस परिवर्तनकारी पहल के पीछे की प्रेरक शक्ति वैभव त्रंबाडिया हैं, सह-संस्थापक और मैकपेटल फूड्स प्राइवेट लिमिटेड के व्यापार परिवर्तन में प्रमुख। श्री त्रंबाडिया ने आलू आपूर्ति श्रृंखला में पारदर्शिता और दक्षता की प्रणालीगत चुनौतियों को संबोधित करने के लिए ट्रेसएक्स के ब्लॉकचेन प्लेटफॉर्म जैसी अत्याधुनिक तकनीक का उपयोग करने के लिए रणनीतिक दृष्टि का नेतृत्व किया। उनका नेतृत्व ओह! आलू की संचालन आवश्यकताओं को उन मजबूत ट्रेसैबिलिटी समाधानों के साथ संरेखित करने में महत्वपूर्ण था, जो घरेलू गुणवत्ता मानकों और विकसित वैश्विक स्थिरता मानदंडों को पूरा करने के लिए आवश्यक थे। आलू उद्योग में वैश्विक मानकों और स्थिरता लक्ष्यों को पूरा करना वैश्विक बाजार बदल रहा है। अंतरराष्ट्रीय खरीदार और घरेलू रिटेलर अब गुणवत्ता की सरल मौखिक पुष्टि से संतुष्ट नहीं हैं। वे स्थिरता और नैतिक स्रोतिंग का दस्तावेजित प्रमाण मांगते हैं। ओह! आलू और ट्रेसएक्स की भागीदारी इन विकसित नियामक और व्यावसायिक अपेक्षाओं के प्रति एक सक्रिय प्रतिक्रिया है। जैसे-जैसे स्थिरता कॉर्पोरेट रणनीति का एक केंद्रीय स्तंभ बनता जा रहा है, फसल के पर्यावरणीय अंगूठे के निशान को ट्रैक करने की क्षमता—जैसे पानी का उपयोग और रासायनिक इनपुट—अनिवार्य होती जा रही है। ट्रेसएक्स प्लेटफॉर्म मैकपेटल फूड्स को "सत्यापित स्थिरता प्रमाणपत्र" बनाने की अनुमति देता है। यह न केवल अंतरराष्ट्रीय खाद्य सुरक्षा मानकों का पालन करने में मदद करता है बल्कि ब्रांड को जिम्मेदार कृषि व्यवसाय में एक नेता के रूप में स्थापित करता है। भारतीय आलू प्रोसेसिंग का भविष्य का रोडमैप मैकपेटल फूड्स और ट्रेसएक्स टेक्नोलॉजीज के बीच सहयोग केवल एक कॉर्पोरेट समझौता नहीं है; यह भारतीय प्रमुख कृषि क्षेत्र के आधुनिकीकरण के लिए एक खाका है। यह कृषि-तकनीक (डिजिटल बुनियादी ढाँचा) और खाद्य प्रोसेसिंग (स्केल और सोर्सिंग) के समन्वय को उजागर करता है। जैसे-जैसे भारत में प्रोसेस किए गए आलू उत्पादों की मांग बढ़ रही है, जो शहरीकरण और बदलती आहार आदतों से प्रेरित है, आपूर्ति श्रृंखला को विकसित होना चाहिए। मैनुअल, पेपर-आधारित प्रक्रियाओं से डिजिटल पारदर्शिता की ओर बढ़ना अब "वैकल्पिक अतिरिक्त" नहीं है—यह जीवित रहने और विकास की आवश्यकता है। सारांश ओह! आलू और ट्रेसएक्स की साझेदारी भारत की एक लचीली, भविष्य-तैयार खाद्य प्रणाली की दिशा में एक मील का पत्थर है। खेत से फैक्ट्री तक "ग्लास पाइपलाइन" बनाने के लिए ब्लॉकचेन का उपयोग करके, दोनों कंपनियाँ पारदर्शिता, दक्षता और विश्वास की मुख्य चुनौतियों को संबोधित कर रही हैं। उपभोक्ता के लिए, इसका मतलब है एक सुरक्षित और उच्च गुणवत्ता वाला उत्पाद। किसान के लिए, इसका मतलब है बेहतर समर्थन और निष्पक्ष मूल्यांकन। उद्योग के लिए, यह एक नए युग का संकेत देता है जहाँ तकनीक और परंपरा हाथ में हाथ डालकर काम कर रहे हैं ताकि एक बढ़ती हुई राष्ट्र को खिलाया जा सके जबकि सबसे उच्च वैश्विक मानकों को पूरा किया जा सके। जैसे-जैसे कृषि-खाद्य क्षेत्र में अन्य खिलाड़ी देखते हैं, मैकपेटल–ट्रेसएक्स की पहल डिजिटल नवाचार का एक शक्तिशाली उदाहरण है कि कैसे साधारण आलू को आधुनिक, स्थायी कृषि के प्रतीक में परिवर्तित किया जा सकता है।

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Ltd.), India’s leading manufacturer of agricultural implements, and Grimme, the German world leader in potato and root crop technology. Link Formed in 2019, this 50:50 joint venture has focused on bridging the gap in farm mechanization for root crops in India. By combining German precision engineering with Shaktiman’s deep understanding of Indian soil conditions, the partnership has produced machines that are not only efficient but also affordable for the Indian potato farmer. Live Demonstrations: The Heart of the Field Day The highlight of the event at B J Farms will be the live field demonstrations. Unlike a static showroom, the Potato Field Day allows farmers to witness machines performing in real-time soil conditions. 1. Precision Planting with the SGPP-205 Traditional potato planting is labor-intensive and often leads to uneven spacing, which affects yield quality. The Shaktiman-Grimme Potato Planter (SGPP-205) will be a star attraction. It features: Uniform Depth & Distance: Mechanical or electronic vibrators ensure no “doubles” or “misses” during planting. Adjustable Row Width: Tailored for Indian farm sizes, ranging from 66 cm to 90 cm. Yield Boost: Precision planting can increase crop yields by 10-12% while saving up to two bags of seed per acre. 2. High-Performance Harvesting with the SGPH-200 Harvesting is the most critical and expensive phase of the potato cycle. The SGPH-200 Potato Harvester is designed to replace hundreds of manual laborers with a single operator. Crop Protection: Gentle transport systems ensure that the potatoes are lifted without bruising or skinning. Dual-Row Efficiency: Capable of harvesting two rows simultaneously, even in difficult soil conditions. Steerable Wheels: With a turning radius of just 5.2 meters, it is perfectly adapted for the smaller field sizes typical of Punjab and India. 3. Soil Preparation and Vine Management Attendees will also see the Deep Hiller (SGDH-200) in action, which creates the ideal clod-free seedbed essential for root growth. Additionally, the Plant Topper will demonstrate how to efficiently cut potato vines (haulms) before harvesting to ensure the potato skin hardens, improving the crop’s shelf life. Link Why 2026 Should Be the Year of Potato Farming Mechanization The timing of this Field Day is crucial. Farmers in Punjab and India are currently facing a “triple threat”: rising labor costs, a shrinking window of time due to climate unpredictability, and the need for higher quality “processing-grade” potatoes for the snack food industry. Mechanization solves these challenges by: Reducing Labor Dependency: Automating the planting and harvesting process removes the volatility of labor availability. Precision Farming: Modern machines ensure that fertilizers and seeds are used optimally, reducing waste and lowering the cost of production. Market Competitiveness: Potatoes harvested mechanically are cleaner and more uniform, making them more attractive to exporters and processing units (like chips and French fry manufacturers). Collaborative Strength: Shaktiman & New Holland The presence of New Holland at the event exemplifies the importance of tractor-implement compatibility. Most of the Shaktiman-Grimme range is designed to work seamlessly with tractors in the 50 HP to 75 HP range. By showcasing these machines alongside New Holland’s robust tractor lineup, farmers can see a “complete package” solution for their farm. Event Details & Invitation Shaktiman-Grimme cordially invites all progressive farmers, agricultural researchers, and industry stakeholders to join this landmark event. Detail Information Event Name Potato Field Day 2026 Date 28 January 2026 Time 09:00 AM Onwards Venue B J Farms, Saraba Village, Dist. Ludhiana, Punjab Contact Numbers 7041793070, 9033012392, 9033012390   What to Expect: Expert Consultations: Interact with German and Indian engineers to discuss your specific potato farming requirements. Machine Walkthroughs: Get a close-up look at the internal mechanisms of the harvesters and planters. Networking: Connect with other progressive farmers in the Punjab potato belt. The Potato Field Day 2026 is not just about selling machines; it is about sharing a vision. As India continues to be the world’s second-largest potato producer, the shift toward “Root Crop Solutions” provided by Shaktiman-Grimme is essential for global competitiveness. Whether you are a small-scale farmer looking to reduce costs or a large-scale grower aiming for export quality, the event at B J Farms promises to provide the tools you need to thrive in the modern potato farming era.

An Analysis of Potato Exports to Nepal (2024-2025). The global potato trade is often dominated by narratives surrounding major processing nations like Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States. However, a significant and consistent trade dynamic exists in South Asia, specifically between the potato powerhouse of India and its mountainous neighbor, Nepal. While Nepal is a substantial producer of potatoes in its own right, it remains heavily reliant on imports to meet domestic consumption needs. Based on trade data from late 2024 through late 2025, Nepal has solidified its position as the primary destination for Indian fresh potatoes, providing a stabilizing force for Indian exporters amidst fluctuating demand from other global regions. Domestic Production Context To understand the export market, one must first look at Nepal’s domestic capacity. Nepal is a significant player in the global potato sector. In 2023, the country produced 3.48 million tonnes of potatoes. This marked a steady increase in production capabilities, representing a 2.3% increase over 2022 levels, and a continuation of growth from 2.69 million tonnes in 2017. The scale of Nepal’s production is impressive given its topography. As the location of the highest point in the world, Nepal’s ability to grow nearly 3.5 million tonnes of tubers highlights the crop’s resilience and importance to the local diet. The land area dedicated to potato cultivation in Nepal has also seen expansion. By 2023, the harvested area had reached approximately 211,505 hectares, an increase of 3.8% from the previous year. Despite this robust domestic output, the consumption demands of the population exceed local supply, necessitating substantial imports. This deficit creates a vital trade corridor, primarily supplied by India, the world’s second-largest potato producer. The India-Nepal Trade Corridor: A Year in Review Throughout the 2024 and 2025 calendar years, Nepal consistently appeared as the top destination for Indian fresh (ware) potatoes. While Indian exporters successfully diversified into the Middle East and Southeast Asia for frozen products, the fresh trade remained regionally focused, with Nepal acting as the anchor market. Late 2024: The Anchor Market By the end of 2024, the reliance on the Nepalese market was evident. In the 12 months ending November 2024, India exported 219,711 tonnes of fresh potatoes to Nepal. Although this represented a 16.5% decrease compared to the previous year, Nepal remained the largest single market for Indian tubers. In November 2024 alone, exports to Nepal stood at 28,818 tonnes, a figure almost identical to the same month in the previous year, indicating a stable, baseline demand that persists regardless of broader market volatility. Early 2025: A Strong Start As the calendar turned to 2025, the trade volume surged. In January 2025, Indian exports to Nepal reached 15,559 tonnes. This was a significant 53.3% increase compared to January 2024. This surge occurred even as Indian exports to other neighbors faced challenges; for example, exports to Bangladesh were nonexistent in the same month. This highlighted Nepal’s role as a reliable partner during periods when other regional markets might be inaccessible or fluctuating. By March 2025, the trade momentum continued. Nepal imported 9,022 tonnes of Indian potatoes, a 12.4% increase compared to March 2024. At this stage in the season, cumulative 12-month exports to Nepal stood at 238,198 tonnes, maintaining a consistent level with the previous year’s 236,881 tonnes. Spring 2025: Seasonal Adjustments and Price Pressures The second quarter of 2025 saw a temporary contraction in trade volumes, likely influenced by seasonal harvest patterns and rising export prices. In April 2025, exports to Nepal dipped to 7,445 tonnes, a 23.7% decrease compared to April 2024. Despite the drop in volume, Nepal retained its position as the top destination. This period coincided with rising prices for Indian potatoes. The average export price to Nepal in April 2025 was ₹13,161 per tonne (approximately US$154), which was 10.8% higher than the price a year prior. The downward trend in volume continued into May 2025. Exports dropped to 5,749 tonnes, a sharp 49.3% decline compared to the 11,334 tonnes shipped in May 2024. This reduction occurred within the context of a general slowdown in Indian ware exports, which fell 4.9% overall in the 12 months leading to June 2025. However, even with reduced volumes, Nepal accounted for nearly half (47.2%) of all Indian ware exports over the 12 months ending in May, totaling 230,294 tonnes. This statistic underscores that even when trade slows, the Nepalese market remains the backbone of the Indian fresh potato export sector. Summer 2025: Recovery and Dominance The market rebounded strongly as the year progressed into the summer. July 2025 marked a significant recovery. Exports to Nepal climbed to 15,026 tonnes, accounting for 42% of India’s total ware exports for the month. While this specific monthly figure was slightly lower (-2.5%) than July 2024, it signaled a return to high-volume trade. By September 2025, Nepal was absorbing massive quantities of Indian product. Exports for the month hit 32,651 tonnes. Although this was a slight 4.0% decrease from the high bar set in September 2023, it reinforced the critical nature of this trade route. For the 12 months ending September 2025, total exports to Nepal stabilized at 228,511 tonnes, virtually unchanged (+0.1%) from the previous year. Price Sensitivity and Market Dynamics The flow of potatoes into Nepal is sensitive to price fluctuations, though the essential nature of the commodity ensures that trade never halts completely. Throughout 2025, Indian export prices saw an upward trajectory before stabilizing. In April 2025, the price for exports to Nepal was ₹13,161/tonne. As the year progressed, prices moderated. By July 2025, the export price to Nepal was recorded at ₹11,980/tonne (approx. US$135). This was a slight increase of ₹340 from June, yet Nepal continued to import over 15,000 tonnes, demonstrating that demand is relatively inelastic within a certain price band. By September 2025, the price had adjusted further to ₹11,804/tonne (approx. US$132). This stabilization in price likely supported the high volumes observed in the latter half of the year. Comparative Importance of the Nepalese Market To fully appreciate the importance of the potato trade with Nepal, it must be viewed in contrast to India’s other export destinations. Reliability vs. Volatility: While Nepal provided a steady stream of orders throughout 2024 and 2025, other markets proved volatile. Bangladesh, previously a major buyer, completely ceased imports in months like May and September 2025. In contrast, Nepal consistently absorbed between 5,000 and 32,000 tonnes per month depending on the season. Volume vs. Value: While markets in the Gulf (Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait) pay significantly higher prices per tonne—often double or triple the price paid by Nepal—they purchase much smaller volumes. For example, in July 2025, while Nepal bought over 15,000 tonnes at ₹11,980/tonne, Kuwait bought 2,014 tonnes at ₹25,274/tonne. Nepal acts as the volume driver, clearing large quantities of stock, while the Gulf markets serve as high-value destinations. Market Share: By late 2025, Nepal accounted for nearly half of all Indian fresh potato sales. In the year ending May 2025, Nepal took 230,294 tonnes out of a total 487,552 tonnes exported by India. Summary The data from the 2024-2025 period illustrates a symbiotic relationship between Indian potato producers and Nepalese consumers. Nepal, despite achieving record domestic production of nearly 3.5 million tonnes, relies on imports to bridge the gap between supply and demand. For India, Nepal serves as an indispensable outlet for its fresh potato crop. While the Indian industry successfully pursued high-value frozen fry markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, the fresh potato trade remained firmly anchored in the Himalayas. With annual volumes holding steady around 228,000 to 230,000 tonnes despite price fluctuations and seasonal variations, the export line to Nepal remains the most critical artery for India’s table potato sector. As India continues to produce bumper crops—surpassing 60 million tonnes in 2025—the stability of the Nepalese market will remain essential for managing supply and maintaining price equilibrium for Indian farmers. Read here: India’s Fresh Potato Exports in 2024

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.