Soundararadjane S, CEO of HyFarm- agribusiness unit of HyFun Foods, and Srijan Gupta, Marketing & Communications Lead at HyFarm, visited Krishi Jagran's office in New Delhi on October 03, 2025. During an engaging session at KJ Chaupal, Soundararadjane shared valuable insights on India’s potato industry, its global significance, and the promising future of potato processing.
Speaking about the importance of potatoes, he described them as a humble crop that often goes unnoticed despite their vital contribution to global food security. “Potatoes are the third most important food crop globally, after rice and wheat, in terms of human consumption. With an annual production of 60 million tonnes, India stands as the second-largest producer. The future of potato processing in the country is highly promising and holds immense potential,” he said.
He also explained that different potato varieties serve different purposes, which has helped India become a hub for innovation in potato-based products. Today, HyFun Foods is the leading frozen snack company in India, operating across 45 countries. The company exports frozen French fries and other value-added potato products to Japan, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and now to the US and the Netherlands as well. Highlighting this progress, he stressed that India is increasingly being recognized as the next alternate production hub for the global potato industry.
During his address, Soundararadjane elaborated on the diversity of potato production across eight key states. Madhya Pradesh is known for its crispy potato varieties, while Gujarat contributes 98 percent of its produce towards French fry processing. Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are the largest potato-producing states, meeting a significant share of India’s domestic market demand. Punjab, often called the 'Seed Bowl of India,' accounts for nearly 75 percent of the country’s seed potato production, followed by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra also plays a supporting role in strengthening the potato ecosystem.
Underscoring its sustainability, he pointed out that potato is a water-efficient crop, requiring far less water than rice and wheat. He also emphasized the importance of contract farming, which assures farmers of a stable income through buy-back agreements at pre-determined prices. This system ensures consistent quality and quantity while providing price stability to farmers and the industry alike.
The session concluded with a group photograph, capturing a moment of collaboration and shared commitment towards strengthening India’s role in global agriculture and unlocking the vast potential of the potato industry.
