Why Bangladesh Holds Just 0.01% of the Global Potato Market. Bangladesh often ranks as the seventh-largest potato producer globally, with an output that frequently exceeds 11 million tonnes annually. Yet, this remarkable success on the farm masks a severe economic paradox: the nation’s presence on the international stage is almost invisible. Despite its colossal harvest, Bangladesh holds a minuscule share—estimated at less than 0.01%—of the world’s colossal $120 billion potato market. This staggering imbalance between domestic production might and global market reach is the root cause of a recurring agricultural crisis that leaves farmers reeling from massive losses almost every season. The core of the problem lies in a chronic “crisis of plenty.” With annual production figures consistently soaring past 11 million tonnes and domestic consumption hovering around 8 to 9 million tonnes, the country is left with a yearly surplus ranging from 2.5 million to over 4 million tonnes. For the small-scale farmers who comprise the backbone of this sector, this abundance translates directly into devastating financial distress. During the harvest season, the overwhelming glut drives farm-gate prices down dramatically, often plummeting far below the farmers’ cost of production. While the cost to produce a kilogram of potato often reaches Tk 14-17 (including inputs and labor), farmers are frequently compelled to sell their fresh produce at Tk 7 to Tk 15 per kg. By the time cold storage fees and other costs are factored in, farmers and traders can face losses of Tk 10 to Tk 15 per kilogram. This predicament not only discourages cultivation in subsequent seasons but also jeopardizes the stability of the entire supply chain, trapping the sector in a perpetual cycle of boom-and-bust. Link The Processing Paradox: A Failure of Value Addition The reason Bangladesh’s production powerhouse fails to translate into global market dominance boils down to a fundamental failure in value addition. Most global potato trade, especially for high-value products, involves processed forms—French fries, chips, flakes, and starch. In developed economies like Canada, Germany, and Belgium, 70-80% of the potato harvest is diverted to industrial processing. Even neighbouring India processes about 7-10% of its output. By sharp contrast, Bangladesh processes a mere 2% to 4% of its total potato production. The vast majority of the harvest is sold as fresh vegetables, a low-value commodity with limited export lifespan and high storage costs. This processing gap is compounded by issues with potato varieties. The local market preference drives farmers to grow large volumes of round-shaped, high-moisture varieties  that are excellent for fresh consumption but entirely unsuitable for commercial processing. Industrial processing requires potatoes with high dry matter content to yield better output for chips and fries, a characteristic lacking in the dominant local varieties. Without the industrial capacity and the right raw material, Bangladesh cannot tap into the fast-growing global trade of processed potato products, confining its market share to negligible levels. Structural Hurdles and Export Roadblocks Beyond variety and processing, structural issues impede Bangladesh’s effort to become a reliable global supplier. The country’s cold storage infrastructure is both ageing and inadequate, forcing farmers to dump surplus produce prematurely when storage space fills up or when existing stocks begin to deteriorate. The inability to hold quality stock until favorable market conditions arise undermines any strategy for phased export. Link Furthermore, Bangladesh faces challenges in meeting the stringent compliance and phytosanitary requirements of developed markets. Exporting requires strict adherence to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), rigorous certification, and the capability to supply specific, export-oriented varieties consistently. Past issues, such as the ban on Bangladeshi potatoes by the Russian Federation over quarantine concerns, highlight the need for advanced regulatory laboratories and quality assurance mechanisms. Moreover, exporters cite higher production costs compared to regional competitors like India and Pakistan, making it difficult to compete purely on price in the international arena. A Roadmap for Global Growth and Sustainability The path to increasing the global market share from 0.01% to a more respectable figure is clear, requiring coordinated policy and private-sector investment. Agricultural economists and industry leaders have outlined several critical steps: Promote Export-Oriented Varieties: The government and extension agencies must incentivize farmers to shift a significant portion of their land to high-yield, long-shape, high-dry-matter varieties (such as Santana, Innovator, and Sunshine) specifically desired by the processing and international fresh markets. Invest in Processing and Cold Chain: Massive investment is required to establish modern, automated potato processing plants and technologically advanced cold storage facilities. This will convert the current surplus into high-value, shelf-stable goods, diversifying market risks and adding tremendous value to the crop. Policy and Financial Support: The government must provide targeted policy support, including financial incentives or loans for processing industries, and potentially introduce a Minimum Support Price (MSP) or procurement system to protect farmers during price crashes. Providing subsidized, quality seed for exportable varieties is also crucial. Ensure Compliance: Developing world-class laboratories and training farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and international sanitary standards will open doors to high-value markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. While the current figures are disheartening, the recent surge in fresh potato exports to Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore, and the UAE, leveraging temporary price advantages, proves the potential exists. By strategically addressing the processing gap and infrastructure deficits, Bangladesh can transform its recurring surplus from a farmer’s curse into a national asset, ultimately commanding a market share that truly reflects its immense potato production capacity. The survival of the farmer and the long-term stability of the sector depend on this fundamental market pivot. More About Author Devendra K

बांग्लादेश के पास वैश्विक आलू बाजार का केवल 0.01% हिस्सा क्यों है बांग्लादेश अक्सर दुनिया में आलू का सातवां सबसे बड़ा उत्पादक माना जाता है, जिसकी उत्पादन मात्रा अक्सर वार्षिक 11 मिलियन टन से अधिक होती है। फिर भी, यह असाधारण सफलता आर्थिक उलझन को छुपाती है: इस देश की अंतरराष्ट्रीय मंच पर उपस्थिति लगभग अदृश्य है। अपने विशाल फसल के बावजूद, बांग्लादेश विश्व के 120 बिलियन डॉलर के आलू बाजार का हिस्सा केवल 0.01% से कम है। घरेलू उत्पादन की ये विशालता और वैश्विक बाजार में पहुंच के बीच यह चौंकाने वाला असंतुलन बार-बार होने वाले कृषि संकट का मुख्य कारण है, जो लगभग हर मौसम में किसानों को बड़े नुकसान से जूझने पर मजबूर करता है। समस्या का मुख्य कारण एक स्थायी "पर्याप्तता का संकट" है। वार्षिक उत्पादन आंकड़े लगातार 11 मिलियन टन के पार जाते हैं और घरेलू उपभोग लगभग 8 से 9 मिलियन टन के आसपास है, जिससे देश के पास हर साल 2.5 मिलियन से 4 मिलियन टन तक का अधिशेष हो जाता है। इस क्षेत्र की रीढ़ के छोटे किसान के लिए, यह प्रचुरता सीधे विनाशकारी वित्तीय संकट में बदल जाती है। फसल कटाई के मौसम में, अत्यधिक अधिशेष किसान मूल्य को dramatically नीचे खींचता है, अक्सर किसानों की उत्पादन लागत से बहुत कम। जबकि आलू के एक किलो का उत्पादन मूल्य अक्सर 14-17 टका (इनपुट और श्रम सहित) होता है, किसान अक्सर अपनी ताजा उपज को 7 से 15 टका प्रति किलो पर बेचने के लिए मजबूर होते हैं। जब तक कोल्ड स्टोरेज शुल्क और अन्य लागतें जोड़ी जाती हैं, किसान और व्यापारी प्रति किलो 10 से 15 टका का नुकसान उठाते हैं। यह स्थिति न केवल आने वाले मौसम में खेती को हतोत्साहित करती है बल्कि पूरे आपूर्ति श्रृंखला की स्थिरता को भी जोखिम में डालती है, क्षेत्र को एक स्थायी उतार-चढ़ाव के चक्र में फंसा देती है। प्रसंस्करण का विरोधाभास: मूल्य संवर्द्धन की विफलता बांग्लादेश के उत्पादन केंद्र की वैश्विक बाजार में बढ़त नहीं बना पाने का कारण मूल्य संवर्द्धन में मौलिक विफलता है। अधिकांश वैश्विक आलू व्यापार, विशेष रूप से उच्च-मूल्य वाले उत्पादों के लिए, प्रसंस्कृत रूप में होता है—फ्रेंच फ्राइज, चिप्स, फ्लेक्स, और स्टार्च। विकसित अर्थव्यवस्थाओं जैसे कनाडा, जर्मनी, और बेल्जियम में, आलू की फसल का 70-80% औद्योगिक प्रसंस्करण के लिए मोड़ दिया जाता है। यहां तक कि पड़ोसी भारत अपने उत्पादन का लगभग 7-10% प्रसंस्कृत करता है। इसके विपरीत, बांग्लादेश अपने कुल आलू उत्पादन का केवल 2% से 4% प्रसंस्कृत करता है। अधिकांश फसल ताजा सब्जियों के रूप में बेची जाती है, जो एक कम-मूल्य वाली वस्तु होती है, जिसका निर्यात जीवनकाल सीमित और भंडारण लागतें उच्च होती हैं। यह प्रसंस्करण अंतर आलू की किस्मों के मुद्दों से भी बढ़ता है। स्थानीय बाजार की प्राथमिकता किसानों को गोल आकार की, उच्च नमी वाली किस्मों के बड़े पैमाने पर खेती करने की ओर प्रवृत्त करती है, जो ताजा खपत के लिए बेहतरीन होती हैं लेकिन औद्योगिक प्रसंस्करण के लिए पूरी तरह से अनुपयुक्त होती हैं। औद्योगिक प्रसंस्करण के लिए आलू की उच्च शुष्क पदार्थ सामग्री की आवश्यकता होती है ताकि चिप्स और फ्राइज के लिए बेहतर उत्पादन मिल सके, जो स्थानीय किस्मों में नहीं पाया जाता। औद्योगिक क्षमता और सही कच्चे माल के बिना, बांग्लादेश तेज़ी से बढ़ते वैश्विक प्रसंस्कृत आलू उत्पादों के व्यापार में भाग नहीं ले सकता, और इसका बाजार हिस्सा नगण्य स्तर पर ही सीमित रह जाता है। संरचनात्मक बाधाएं और निर्यात में रुकावटें किस्म और प्रसंस्करण के अलावा, संरचनात्मक मुद्दे बांग्लादेश के लिए विश्वसनीय वैश्विक आपूर्तिकर्ता बनने के प्रयासों में बाधा डालते हैं। देश की कोल्ड स्टोरेज अवसंरचना पुरानी और अपर्याप्त है, जिससे किसानों को अधिशेष उपज को जल्दी से छोड़ना पड़ता है जब भंडारण स्थान भर जाता है या जब मौजूदा भंडार खराब होने लगते हैं। गुणवत्ता भंडार को बनाए रखने की असमर्थता किसी भी चरणबद्ध निर्यात की रणनीति को कमजोर करती है। इसके अलावा, बांग्लादेश को विकसित बाजारों की कठोर अनुपालन और फाइटोसैनिटरी आवश्यकताओं को पूरा करने में चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ता है। निर्यात करने के लिए अच्छी कृषि प्रथाओं (GAP) का सख्त पालन, कड़े प्रमाणन, और विशिष्ट, निर्यात-उन्मुख किस्मों की निरंतर आपूर्ति की क्षमता की आवश्यकता होती है। पिछले मुद्दे, जैसे कि रूस द्वारा क्वारंटीन चिंताओं के लिए बांग्लादेशी आलू पर प्रतिबंध, उच्च गुणवत्ता वाले प्रयोगशालाओं और गुणवत्ता आश्वासन तंत्र की आवश्यकता को दर्शाते हैं। इसके अलावा, निर्यातक क्षेत्रों के प्रतिस्पर्धियों जैसे भारत और पाकिस्तान की तुलना में उच्च उत्पादन लागत का हवाला देते हैं, जिससे अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मंच पर केवल मूल्य के आधार पर प्रतिस्पर्धा करना कठिन हो जाता है। वैश्विक विकास और स्थिरता के लिए एक रोडमैप 0.01% से एक अधिक सम्मानजनक आंकड़े तक वैश्विक बाजार हिस्सेदारी बढ़ाने का रास्ता स्पष्ट है, जिसमें समन्वित नीति और निजी क्षेत्र के निवेश की आवश्यकता है। कृषि अर्थशास्त्रियों और उद्योग के नेताओं ने कई महत्वपूर्ण कदमों का सुझाव दिया है: निर्यात-उन्मुख किस्मों को बढ़ावा देना: सरकार और विस्तार एजेंसियों को किसानों को अपने खेत के एक महत्वपूर्ण हिस्से को उच्च उपज, लंबी आकार, उच्च शुष्क पदार्थ वाली किस्मों (जैसे संतान, इनोवेटर, और सनशाइन) की खेती करने के लिए प्रेरित करना चाहिए जो विशेष रूप से प्रसंस्करण और अंतरराष्ट्रीय ताजा बाजारों में वांछित हैं। प्रसंस्करण और कोल्ड चेन में निवेश: आधुनिक, स्वचालित आलू प्रसंस्करण संयंत्रों और तकनीकी रूप से उन्नत कोल्ड स्टोरेज सुविधाओं की स्थापना के लिए बड़ा निवेश आवश्यक है। इससे मौजूदा अधिशेष को उच्च-मूल्य, शेल्फ-स्थिर उत्पादों में परिवर्तित किया जा सकेगा, बाजार के जोखिमों को विविधित करते हुए फसल को भारी मूल्य जोड़ा जाएगा। नीति और वित्तीय समर्थन: सरकार को लक्षित नीति समर्थन प्रदान करना चाहिए, जिसमें प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों के लिए वित्तीय प्रोत्साहन या ऋण शामिल हैं, और मूल्य में गिरावट के समय किसानों की सुरक्षा के लिए न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य (MSP) या खरीद प्रणाली का संभवतः परिचय करना चाहिए। निर्यात उन्मुख किस्मों के लिए सब्सिडी युक्त, गुणवत्तापूर्ण बीज प्रदान करना भी आवश्यक है। अनुपालन सुनिश्चित करना: विश्वस्तरीय प्रयोगशालाएं विकसित करना और किसानों को अच्छी कृषि प्रथाओं (GAP) और अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्वच्छता मानकों पर प्रशिक्षण देना, यूरोप, मध्य पूर्व, और दक्षिण पूर्व एशिया के उच्च-मूल्य वाले बाजारों के दरवाजे खोलेगा। हालांकि वर्तमान आंकड़े निराशाजनक हैं, नेपाल, मलेशिया, सिंगापुर, और UAE को ताजा आलू के निर्यात में हाल की वृद्धि, अस्थायी मूल्य लाभों का लाभ उठाते हुए, संभावनाओं को साबित करती है। यदि बांग्लादेश प्रसंस्करण के अंतर और अवसंरचना के अतिरेकों को रणनीतिक रूप से संबोधित करता है, तो यह अपने बार-बार होने वाले अधिशेष को किसानों के अभिशाप से एक राष्ट्रीय संपत्ति में बदल सकता है, अंततः ऐसा बाजार हिस्सा तैयार कर सकता है जो इसकी विशाल आलू उत्पादन क्षमता को सच में दर्शाता है। किसान की जीविका और क्षेत्र की दीर्घकालिक स्थिरता इस मौलिक बाजार परिवर्तन पर निर्भर करती है।

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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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