Himachal Pradesh to Launch Potato Processing Facility Near Punjab: CM Sukhu

Shimla, Dec 28 (NationPress) Potatoes account for approximately 20 percent of the vegetable production in Himachal Pradesh. On Saturday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu revealed that the state is moving forward to create a potato processing facility in Una district, with a budget of Rs 20 crore. This initiative aims to support farmers from Punjab, a key potato-producing state.

The new facility is expected to have a minimum processing capacity of 500 kg per hour and will primarily focus on generating potato flakes. The state’s Agricultural Department has been tasked with developing a comprehensive project report for this facility.

Agriculture represents 14 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product, with potatoes being a vital crop. The state produces around 238,317 metric tons from 16,960 hectares of land.

Establishing the potato processing plant is anticipated to provide better prices for farmers and enhance the local economy by generating job opportunities both in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, as per an official statement from the Chief Minister.

Sukhu emphasized, “By converting potatoes into added-value products like flakes, the facility will stabilize the potato market and mitigate farmers' exposure to price volatility in the fresh potato sector. Potato flakes are produced by cooking, mashing, and dehydrating potatoes into flat, dried pieces that are packaged for sale.”

The potato processing sector is characterized as industrialized, technologically advanced, and market-driven. He noted that Una district, with a production of around 54,200 metric tons harvested from 3,400 hectares across both autumn and spring seasons, is ideally suited for such an establishment.

Moreover, the adjacent state of Punjab also cultivates a considerable volume of potatoes, ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials for the processing sector.

One of the significant benefits of potato farming in Himachal Pradesh is the capacity to harvest during the rabi season, typically in March. However, market dynamics often lead to challenging sales for farmers during this time.

The proposed processing unit will provide farmers with the chance to sell their potatoes at improved rates, helping to prevent price swings and ensuring a consistent demand throughout the year.

Sukhu stated that the state's climatic conditions are perfect for cultivating high-quality, disease-free seed potatoes, which are in high demand across India. The requirement for processed potato products, such as flakes, is rapidly increasing in India, driven by shifting consumer preferences and the growing processing industry.

In addition to Una district, table potatoes are also grown in Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Solan, and Kullu districts.

The Lahaul Valley in the Lahaul-Spiti district is recognized for its virus-free seed potatoes, primarily marketed for planting. Potato farming in Lahaul dates back to 1854, when missionary A.W. Hide from Germany established a farm near Keylong, the district headquarters.

Seed potatoes are in high demand in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Karnataka.

Vegetable farming in the state generates an annual revenue of Rs 3,500-Rs 4,000 crore and has become an alternative income stream in the agricultural sector.

Experts note that the profits from off-season vegetable farming significantly surpass those from traditional food crops.