In a landmark development poised to usher in a new era of prosperity for farmers in the region, Assam has embarked on supplying potatoes to the renowned multinational consumer food products giant, PepsiCo.
Kicking off this transformative collaboration, a substantial quantity of 50 metric tonnes (MT) of potatoes was recently dispatched from Dibrugarh to one of PepsiCo’s manufacturing facilities located beyond the state’s borders. Notably, PepsiCo has outlined plans to procure a staggering 50,000 MT of potatoes annually from local farmers in Assam to cater to the requirements of its upcoming plant in Nalbari, slated for commissioning in 2025. As part of its proactive approach, PepsiCo has already commenced the training of farmers in the state, equipping them with the necessary expertise and premium-quality seeds to cultivate high-grade potatoes.
In a significant stride towards realizing this vision, PepsiCo initiated the construction of its state-of-the-art plant in Nalbari in September 2023, with an estimated investment of Rs 778 crore. The commencement of this pivotal initiative underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and empowering local farming communities.
Evidencing the tangible impact of this collaboration, two trucks laden with 25 tonnes each of premium-grade potatoes have commenced their journey to PepsiCo’s plant from Tingkhong, with additional consignments slated for dispatch in the near future. Notably, the seeds supplied by PepsiCo have yielded impressive results, yielding potatoes of up to 700 grams each, underscoring the potential for enhanced agricultural productivity in the region.
The establishment of PepsiCo’s plant in Nalbari is poised to catalyze a positive impact on the livelihoods of an estimated 5,000 farmers in Assam, while also fueling the demand for cold storage units with a cumulative capacity of 60,000 metric tonnes in the ensuing years. This transformative endeavor not only reflects a significant boost for the local agricultural landscape but also holds the promise of fostering sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the region.
Acknowledging the existing challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Assam, including low crop productivity attributed to factors such as erratic rainfall, floods, erosion, and sand deposition, concerted efforts are being undertaken to surmount these obstacles and elevate crop yields. This collaborative endeavor between Assam and PepsiCo stands as a testament to the potential for transformative change and sustainable agricultural advancement, heralding a bright future for the farming community in the region.
