Gujarat Tops India in French Fry Potato Production

Once a country that relied on importing French fries, India is now exporting them, thanks largely to Gujarat, which has taken the lead in producing processed-grade potatoes required for crispy snacks like French fries and wafers.

In the agricultural year 2024–25, Gujarat produced a massive 48.59 lakh tonnes of potatoes, a significant portion of which was cultivated specifically for processing. Over 25% of the state’s potato yield now goes into the making of French fries and chips, supplied to major food processing industries and exported to international markets.

This boom in value added agriculture has been driven by targeted government policies, modern farming techniques, and strong market linkage backed by the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.

Banaskantha Leads the Charge 

Among Gujarat’s potato-growing districts, Banaskatha has emerged as the frontrunner, producing 18.70 lakh tonnes in 2024–25. With over 61,000 hectares under cultivation and an average productivity of 30.65 tonnes per hectare, the district is powering the state’s processed potato supply chain.

Following closely are Sabarkantha with 12.97 lakh tonnes and Aravalli with 6.99 lakh tonnes, both showing remarkable yields above 34 tonnes per hectare. These regions have rapidly adopted potato varieties suitable for frying and chipping, including Lady Rosetta, Kufri Chipsona, and Santana, which are high in dry matter and low in sugar.

Advanced Infrastructire and Export Growth 

North Gujarat’s favorable climate, fertile soil, and mechanized farming have helped transform it into an ideal zone for chip-grade and French fry grade potatoes. What’s more, the region has witnessed significant investment in cold storage and agri-processing facilities, ensuring that harvested potatoes retain quality and freshness before being sent to quick-service restaurants, food manufacturers, and export markets, notably in the Middle East.

From Importer to Exporter: A Policy Success 

Back in 2004–05, processed potato farming in India was limited to just 4,000 hectares, with output under 1 lakh tonnes. Today, Gujarat alone produces over 11.50 lakh tonnes of processed potatoes across 37,000 hectares, a tenfold rise in two decades.

This success reflects the impact of India's shift toward value added agriculture, which not only boosts farmer incomes but also enhances the country’s global trade footprint. Gujarat’s focused efforts on processing-grade cultivation now serve as a model for other states aiming to unlock similar potential in agribusiness.