Indian snack food consumption driving up potato demand
"With a rise in the snacks industry, demand for potato is growing rapidly in the state. Malwa potatoes are preferred for exports because of their high quality and taste. Top quality potatoes are exported while average and inferior ones are sent to local markets for consumption."
This rise is happening as farmers are claiming that potato prices have come down to $0.01 per kg. Farmers are saying that the prices are unsustainable. Prices aren't looking to grow however, considering the 10 percent rise per annum of snack food consumption, according to experts.
"Rapid growth of the snacks industry is boosting the high demand for potatoes. The need for cold storages has also gone up so that produce can be stored longer and quality can be maintained," Shardiya said.
With the upgrading of technology and rising production, the trend for multi-commodity cold storage chambers is rising in the country. Of 65 cold storages in Indore district, 40 are multi-commodity cold units.
Pawanexh Kohli, CEO and chief advisor, National Centre for Cold Chain Development, said the state has the potential to build more cold storages but the selling radius for farmers should be expanded so that they can connect with their own choice of markets.
source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
