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

नेपाल के लिए आलू निर्यात का विश्लेषण (2024-2025) वैश्विक आलू व्यापार अक्सर बेल्जियम, नीदरलैंड्स और संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका जैसे प्रमुख प्रसंस्करण देशों के इर्द-गिर्द घूमने वाली कथाओं से संचालित रहता है। हालांकि, दक्षिण एशिया में एक महत्वपूर्ण और स्थिर व्यापार गतिशीलता मौजूद है, विशेषकर भारत के आलू‑शक्तिशाली बल और उसके पहाड़ी पड़ोसी नेपाल के बीच। जहाँ नेपाल अपने आप में एक बड़ा आलू उत्पादक है, वहाँ घरेलू खपत की आवश्यकताओं को पूरा करने के लिए यह आयातों पर भारी निर्भर रहता है। 2024 के अंत से 2025 केEnd तक के व्यापार डेटा के आधार पर, नेपाल भारतीय ताजा आलुओं के लिए प्रमुख गंतव्य के रूप में अपनी स्थिति मजबूत कर चुका है, अन्य वैश्विक क्षेत्रों से मांग के उतार-चढ़ाव के बीच भारतीय निर्यातकों के लिए स्थिरता का एक स्रोत बनते हुए। घरेलू उत्पादन संदर्भ निर्यात बाज़ार को समझने के लिए सबसे पहले नेपाल की घरेलू क्षमता को देखना जरूरी है. नेपाल वैश्विक आलू क्षेत्र का एक महत्वपूर्ण खिलाड़ी है। 2023 में देश ने 3.48 मिलियन टन आलू पैदा किए। यह उत्पादन क्षमता में निरंतर वृद्धि दर्शाता है, जो 2022 के स्तर से 2.3% अधिक है, और 2017 में 2.69 मिलियन टन से विकास की निरंतरता को भी दर्शाता है। नेपाल के उत्पादन का पैमाना इसकी भू-आकृति को देखते हुए प्रभावशाली है। विश्व का सबसे ऊँचा बिंदु होने के कारण नेपाल की लगभग 3.5 मिलियन टन आलू उगाने की क्षमता फसल की धैर्यशीलता और स्थानीय आहार के लिए इसकी महत्ता को उजागर करती है। नेपाल में आलू की खेती के लिए आवंटित भूमि क्षेत्र भी विस्तार हुआ है। 2023 तक कटाई क्षेत्र लगभग 211,505 हेक्टेयर तक पहुंच गया, जो पिछले वर्ष से 3.8% अधिक है। robust domestic output के बावजूद,Population की खपत स्थानीय आपूर्ति से अधिक है, जिससे बड़े पैमाने पर आयात आवश्यक हो जाते हैं। यह घाटा एक महत्वपूर्ण व्यापार गलियारा बनाता है, जिसे मुख्यतः भारत द्वारा संचालित किया जाता है, जो विश्व का दूसरा सबसे बड़ा आलू उत्पादक है। भारत-नेपाल व्यापार गलियारा: एक वर्ष की समीक्षा 2024 और 2025 के कैलेंडर वर्षों के दौरान, नेपाल भारतीय ताजा (वेयर) आलुओं के लिए शीर्ष गंतव्य के रूप में लगातार रहा। जबकि भारतीय निर्यातक फ्रीज़न उत्पादों के लिए मध्यपूर्व और दक्षिण पूर्व एशिया में सफल रूप से विविधीकरण कर सके, ताजा व्यापार क्षेत्रीय रूप से केंद्रित रहा, जिसमें नेपाल एंकर बाजार की भूमिका निभाता रहा। Late 2024: एंकर मार्केट 2024 के अंत तक नेपाल बाजार पर निर्भरता स्पष्ट थी। नवंबर 2024 तक 12 महीनों में भारत ने नेपाल को 219,711 टन ताजा आलू निर्यात किए। भले ही यह पिछले वर्ष की तुलना में 16.5% कमी दर्शाता है, नेपाल भारतीय कन्द‑जनित आलुओं के लिए सबसे बड़ा एकल बाजार बना रहा। नवंबर 2024 में अकेले नेपाल को निर्यात 28,818 टन रहा, जो उसी महीने में पिछले वर्ष के लगभग समान आंकड़ा है, जिससे एक स्थिर, बेसलाइन मांग स्पष्ट होती है जो व्यापक बाजार अस्थिरता के बावजूद बनी रहती है। Early 2025: एक मजबूत शुरुआत जैसे ही वर्ष 2025 में कैलेंडर बदला, व्यापार मात्रा उछली। जनवरी 2025 में नेपाल को भारत के निर्यात 15,559 टन तक पहुँचे। यह जनवरी 2024 की तुलना में 53.3% की महत्वपूर्ण वृद्धि थी। यह उछाल अन्य पड़ोसी बाजारों के साथ भारतीय निर्यातों के समक्ष चुनौतियों के बावजूद आया; उदाहरण के तौर पर उसी महीने बांग्लादेश को निर्यात शून्य रहा। यह दिखाता है कि नेपाल उन समयों में एक विश्वसनीय भागीदार रहा जब अन्य क्षेत्रीय बाजार अड़चनों के कारण उपलब्ध नहीं थे। मार्च 2025 तक, व्यापार रफ्तार जारी रही। नेपाल ने 9,022 टन भारतीय आलू मंगवाए, जो मार्च 2024 की तुलना में 12.4% अधिक है। इस चरण में मौसम के क्रम में नेपाल को 12 महीनों के संयुक्त निर्यात 238,198 टन रहा, जो पिछले वर्ष के 236,881 टन के समान स्थिर स्तर बनाए रखे। वसंत 2025: मौसमी समायोजन और कीमत दबाव 2025 की दूसरी तिमाही में व्यापार वॉल्यूम में अस्थायी संकुचन देखा गया, संभवतः मौसमी फसल-हार्वेस्ट पैटर्न और निर्यात कीमतों में बढ़ोतरी के कारण। अप्रैल 2025 में नेपाल को निर्यात 7,445 टन तक घट गया, अप्रैल 2024 की तुलना में 23.7% कमी। आयतन में कमी के बावजूद नेपाल शीर्ष गंतव्य के रूप में बना रहा। यह अवधि भारतीय आलू की कीमतों में वृद्धि के साथ भी संगत रही। अप्रैल 2025 में नेपाल के लिए निर्यात मूल्य ₹13,161 प्रति टन था (लगभग US$154), जो एक वर्ष पूर्व से 10.8% अधिक था। मई 2025 में आयतन की गिरावट जारी रही। निर्यात घटकर 5,749 टन रह गया, मई 2024 में भेजे गए 11,334 टन की तुलना में 49.3% कमी। यह कमी भारतीय वेअर निर्यात में सामान्य सुस्ती केContext में हुई, जो जून 2025 तक 12 महीनों में कुल मिलाकर 4.9% गिर गया। तथापि, मई तक 12 महीनों में Nepal ने कुल भारत के वेअर निर्यात का लगभग आधा हिस्सा लिया, कुल 230,294 टन। यह आँकड़ा इस तथ्य को उजागर करता है कि व्यापार धीमा होने पर भी नेपाली बाजार भारतीय ताजा आलू निर्यात क्षेत्र की रीढ़ बना रहता है। गर्मी 2025: पुनरुद्धार और प्रभुत्व जैसे-जैसे वर्ष गर्मियों की ओर बढ़ा, बाजार ने मजबूत वापसी की। जुलाई 2025 में नेपाल के लिए निर्यात 15,026 टन तक पहुँचे, जो उस माह में भारत के कुल वेअर निर्यात का 42% था। यह मासिक आंकड़ा जुलाई 2024 से थोड़ा कम (-2.5%) था, फिर भी उच्च-वॉल्यूम व्यापार की वापसी का संकेत देता है। सितंबर 2025 तक नेपाल भारतीय उत्पादों की भारी मात्राएं ग्रहण कर रहा था। उस महीने के लिए निर्यात 32,651 टन तक पहुँचे। यह सितंबर 2023 के उच्च स्तर से लगभग 4.0% कम था, फिर भी इस व्यापार मार्ग की महत्त्वपूर्ण प्रकृति को मजबूत किया गया। सितंबर 2025 तक 12 महीनों के लिए नेपाल को कुल निर्यात 228,511 टन रहा, पिछले वर्ष के लगभग समान (+0.1%)। कीमत संवेदनशीलता और बाज़ार गतिशीलতা नेपाल में आलू के प्रवाह की कीमतों के उतार-चढ़ाव के प्रति संवेदनशीलता बनी रहती है, हालांकि वस्तु की आवश्यक प्रकृति से trade कभी पूरी तरह से रुकता नहीं। 2025 के दौरान भारतीय निर्यात कीमतें ऊँचाई की ओर उभरती रहीं, फिर स्थिर रहने लगीं। अप्रैल 2025 में नेपाल के लिए निर्यात मूल्य ₹13,161 प्रति टन रहा। वर्ष आगे बढ़ने के साथ कीमतें समायोजित हुईं। जुलाई 2025 तक नेपाल के लिए निर्यात मूल्य ₹11,980 प्रति टन (लगभग US$135) दर्ज किया गया, जून से ₹340 की हल्की वृद्धि के बावजूद नेपाल 15,000+ टन से अधिक आयात कर रहा था, यह दर्शाता है कि कीमत के एक निश्चित बैंड के भीतर मांग तुलनात्मक रूप से असंवेगशील है। सितंबर 2025 तक कीमत और अधिक समायोजन कर ₹11,804 प्रति टन (लगभग US$132) हो गई। इस मूल्य स्थिरीकरण ने वर्ष के उत्तरार्ध में देखे गए उच्च आयतन का समर्थन किया। नेपालिश बाज़ार की तुलनात्मक महत्ता नेपाल के साथ आलू व्यापार के महत्त्व को पूरी तरह समझने के लिए इसे भारत के अन्य निर्यात गंतव्यों के साथ तुलना किया जाना चाहिए। विश्वसनीय बनाम अस्थिरता: 2024 और 2025 में नेपाल ने निरंतर ऑर्डर दिया, जबकि अन्य बाजार अस्थिर रहे। बांग्लादेश, जो पहले एक प्रमुख खरीदार था, मई और सितंबर 2025 जैसे महीनों में आयात बिल्कुल बंद कर दिया। इसके विपरीत, नेपाल मौसमानुसार हर महीने 5,000 से 32,000 टन के बीच नियमित मात्रा ग्रहण करता रहा। आयतन बनाम मूल्य: गल्फ क्षेत्र (ओमान, सऊदी अरब, कुवैत) प्रति टन काफी ऊँची कीमत चुकाते हैं—ज्यादातर नेपाल से दोगुणा से तीन गुना कीमत—पर मात्रा काफी छोटी खरीदते हैं। उदाहरण के तौर पर जुलाई 2025 में नेपाल ने ₹11,980/टन पर 15,000+ टन खरीदे, जबकि कुवैत ने ₹25,274/टन पर 2,014 टन खरीदे। नेपाल मात्रा चालक के रूप में कार्य करता है, बड़े स्टॉक को साफ करता है, जबकि गल्फ बाज़ार उच्च- मूल्य गंतव्य हैं। बाज़ार हिस्सेदारी: 2025 के अंत तक नेपाल लगभग सभी भारतीय ताजा आलू बिक्री का लगभग आधा हिस्सा रहा। मई 2025 तक, नेपाल ने भारत के कुल 487,552 टन निर्यात में से 230,294 टन लिया। सारांश 2024-2025 के कालखंड के डेटा से भारत के आलू उत्पादकों और नेपाली उपभोक्ताओं के बीच एक पारस्परिक रूप से लाभकारी संबंध उजागर होता है। नेपाल, अपने रिकॉर्ड नौमर्द घरेलू उत्पादन के बावजूद, आपूर्ति और मांग के बीच की खाई को पाटने के लिए आयातों पर निर्भर रहता है। भारत के लिए, नेपाल ताजा आलू फसल के लिए एक अविभाज्य आउटलेट के रूप में रहा है। जबकि भारतीय उद्योग दक्षिणपूर्व एशिया और मध्य पूर्व में उच्च-मूल्य वाले frozen fry बाजारों को सफलतापूर्वक तलाशने में सफल रहा, ताजा आलू व्यापार हिमालय क्षेत्र में स्थिर रहा। लगभग 228,000 से 230,000 टन के आसपास वार्षिक मात्रा बनाए रखने के साथ, नेपाल की निर्यात पंक्ति भारत के टेबल आलू क्षेत्र के लिए सबसे महत्वपूर्ण धुरी बनी हुई है। जैसे-जैसे भारत 2025 में 60 मिलियन टन से अधिक का बंपर फसलों का उत्पादन जारी रखता है, नेपाली बाजार की स्थिरता भारतीय किसानों के लिए आपूर्ति प्रबंधन और मूल्य संतुलन बनाए रखने के लिए आवश्यक रहेगी। Read here: India’s Fresh Potato Exports in 2024

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Why a Bumper Harvest is Spelling Trouble for Punjab’s Doaba Potato Farmers. In the heart of Punjab’s fertile Doaba region, the arrival of the potato harvesting season is usually a time of bustling activity and economic hope. However, this year, the sprawling green fields of Jalandhar and Kapurthala are clouded by a sense of deep unease. For the farmers of this “potato belt,” a combination of leftover stocks from the previous year and the prospect of an exceptionally high output this season has created a paradoxical crisis of plenty. While a bumper crop is typically celebrated, for the potato growers of Punjab, it has become a harbinger of financial distress. The market is currently grappling with a supply-demand imbalance that threatens to push farm-gate prices below the cost of production, leaving many questioning the viability of their hard work. The Glut from Yesterday The roots of the current crisis lie in the tail end of the previous agricultural cycle. Last year, Punjab witnessed a highly productive season, but the market failed to absorb the entirety of the harvest. Significant quantities of potatoes remained in cold storage, unsold and waiting for a price correction that never materialized. Link As the new harvest begins, these old stocks continue to sit in warehouses, occupying space and dampening the demand for fresh produce. This overlap is a critical factor in the current price slump. When fresh potatoes enter a market already saturated with old stock, the immediate consequence is a sharp decline in wholesale rates. For many Doaba farmers, the struggle isn’t just about selling this year’s crop; it’s about clearing the debts incurred from the one that didn’t sell last year. Prices on the Brink The early varieties of potatoes, such as Kufri Pukhraj, are already hitting the market. These 60-day crops are essential for maintaining a farmer’s cash flow. 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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