Bandipora, June 08: PepsiCo India Ltd. has started research trials to identify the best potato varieties for making potato chips in the valley, which is a significant step towards revolutionising the potato industry in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Head Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station and KVK-Gurez SKUAST-Kashmir, Bilal Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that the research trials, conducted in collaboration with the scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), are being carried out at the research station of the university’s Mountain Agriculture and Extension Research Station (MARES) in Izmarg, Gurez.
While expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Dr. Santosh Tiwari, Associate Director (Agro R&D) at PepsiCo India Ltd., told Rising Kashmir that they are thrilled to begin these research trials in Gurez valley, which is known for its rich heritage of potato cultivation.
“Our goal is to identify potato varieties that are best suited for producing high-quality potato chips, ensuring a sustainable market for the farmers and enhancing the valley’s economic prospects,” he said.
He further said that during the trials, the team from PepsiCo India Ltd., including Dr. Santosh Tiwari and Dr. Krishna Mohania, Manager (Agro R&D), will meticulously evaluate the performance of different potato varieties in Gurez valley’s unique climatic conditions and cultivation practices.
This rigorous evaluation process will enable PepsiCo to determine the most suitable variety that offers the desired taste, texture, and quality for potato chips production, he added.
Dr. Krishna Mohania, Manager (Agro R&D) at PepsiCo India Ltd. said that their research trials aim to identify potato varieties that not only excel in taste and quality but also thrive in the specific agro-climatic conditions of Gurez valley.
He said that this initiative will not only benefit the potato growers by providing them with a stable market but will also contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the region.
By identifying the most suitable potato variety, PepsiCo aims to establish a robust supply chain, offering farmers a fair and reliable market with a buy-back arrangement, he added.
Dr. Parveen Kumar, SMS (Ag Extension), emphasized the significance of this partnership, highlighting PepsiCo India Ltd.’s extensive experience in working directly with farming communities worldwide. By providing inputs and a guaranteed market for their crops, the collaboration aims to address the challenges faced by local potato growers in accessing profitable markets, he said.
Arshid Ahmad Lone, a local social activist said that the success of these trials holds immense promise for the potato growers of Gurez valley, who have long faced challenges related to marketing support and market access.
With PepsiCo’s research and expertise, the local farmers can look forward to improved incomes, increased agricultural productivity, and a strengthened potato industry in the region, he added.
