Technico Agri Sciences Limited: Seed Potato Innovation Through Technology, Quality and Global Expertise
Mr. Nripendra Kumar Jha, CEO of Technico, shared his perspectives on seed quality, advanced aeroponic mini-tuber technology, climate challenges and emerging opportunities in the global potato industry, highlighting India’s growing role in the global potato value chain.
Technico: Technology and Global Capabilities
Technico Agri Sciences Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Limited, is a global seed potato company with strong capabilities in agricultural biotechnology, seed production and global supply-chain management.
Through its proprietary TECHNITUBER® technology, Technico has established significant capabilities in aeroponic minituber production, with an annual production capacity of 115 million mini-tubers, including production of around 100 million in India. Technico also has production operations in China, Australia and Canada.
Technico supplies quality seed potatoes to more than 15 countries across Southeast Asia and the Middle East and is exploring opportunities in other international markets.
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With its technology-led approach and focus on quality planting material, Technico aims to strengthen seed availability, enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to sustainable potato production and global food security.
Seed Quality: Beyond Generations
Mr. Jha emphasized that seed quality should not be assessed solely on the basis of the number of multiplication generations. The health and quality of the starting material, production environment and agronomy practices are equally important in determining the quality of seed. He identified three key factors influencing seed quality: starting material, climate & farming practices.
Climate change is increasing both biotic and abiotic stresses in potato production. Rising pest pressure, including sucking pests and soil-borne diseases poses significant challenges to maintain seed quality. He highlighted how seed multiplication practices vary across geographies depending on climatic conditions, pest and disease pressure and applicable seed certification standards. He referred to the reduction in multiplication cycles adopted by European seed producers and the three-generation practice followed in India.
He stressed the importance of adopting a quality-driven approach to seed production, with emphasis on healthy starting material, scientific production practices, effective field monitoring and adherence to applicable seed standards.
Potato Market Dynamics and Growth Opportunities
Discussing price volatility, Mr. Jha explained that potato markets are cyclical in nature. High market prices often encourage farmers to increase acreage, sometimes attracting growers who do not traditionally cultivate potatoes. This can lead to excess production and subsequent pressure on market prices.
He emphasized the need for better demand assessment, production planning and alignment of acreage with market requirements to help minimise supply-demand imbalances.
He also highlighted the considerable growth potential of potato processing in Asia. The expansion of processing capacities in India and China is expected to create additional demand, strengthen market opportunities for growers and support the long-term development of the potato value chain.
Global Potato Summit, Ahmedabad
Mr. Jha highlighted the upcoming Global Potato Summit (GPS) in Ahmedabad as an important platform for stakeholders across the potato value chain to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging market trends and explore opportunities for collaboration.
With India and China together accounting for around 45% of global potato production, the Summit will provide an opportunity to showcase India’s growing capabilities and potential in potato processing and strengthen its position in the global potato industry.
Looking Ahead
The discussion reinforces the importance of technology, scientific innovation and quality-led seed production in building a productive and sustainable potato industry.
With its established technological capabilities, global presence and strong focus on quality seed production, Technico continues to play an important role in strengthening the global seed potato value chain.
Through its continued focus on innovation, quality and sustainable agricultural practices, Technico aims to contribute to improved farmer productivity, food security and the long-term growth of the potato industry.
Sources: Potatoes.News interview with Nripendra Kumar Jha, CEO, Technico Agri Sciences Limited, 28 October 2026; PotatoPro, March 2024; PotatoPro, 28 July 2026.
