Innovative Approaches to Potato Farming in Assam and Bihar
SV Agri, a disruptive force in the potato ecosystem since its establishment in 2008, has consistently pushed the boundaries of the potato value chain through technological innovation and collaboration. Recognized as one of the top 75 impactful startups by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India in 2023, SV Agri has excelled in producing high-quality seeds, providing advanced storage solutions, and engineering best-in-class processing technologies.
Supported by the Lightsmith Group, the US Department of State, and the Nordic Development Fund, the workshop attracted a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from the US Department of State, U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata, Agrico (Netherlands), SV Agrico India Pvt Ltd, Kishlay Foods Pvt Ltd, PwC, Rang De P2P Financial Services, FWWB, and Samunnati Financial Services Pvt Ltd.
The discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities within the potato value chain, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to tackle issues such as access to quality inputs, pest pressures, climate variability, market access, finance, and capacity building, as well as the critical need for infrastructure related to post-harvest management.
A highlight of the workshop was a visit to SV Agri’s Farmgate level Modular potato storage facility, showcasing innovations designed to improve the storage and marketability of processing-grade potatoes. Farmers, farmer collectives, and agri-entrepreneurs shared their experiences, underscoring the benefits of the program’s activities.
Impactful Initiatives and Future Prospects
The Potato Value Chain Development program, led by SV Agri, has implemented various impactful initiatives. Eleven demonstration plots across Bihar and Assam showcased resilient potato varieties developed in collaboration with Agrico. These plots demonstrated significant yield improvements, ranging from 17% to 25% over control varieties.
Farmer Field Schools provided practical training and insights, while mobilization and capacity-building initiatives equipped farmers with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and personalized advisory services. A key component of the program is the Potato Business School, a residential program in Pune designed to equip lead farmers and agri-entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to participate effectively in the potato value chain.
To date, the program has mobilized over 2,100 farmers and promoted cultivation on more than 500 acres, resulting in a reduction of approximately 100 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions. Plans are underway to expand cultivation to 10,000 acres, further enhancing the sustainability and productivity of the potato value chain in Assam and Bihar.
