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Ahmedabad-based HyFarm, the agri-business unit of HyFun Group, has adopted a “seed-to-shelf” approach to growing potatoes, especially the Santana variety, implying that quality produce for great French fries is grown, not made. HyFarm treats quality as a continuum that begins at seed multiplication, matures through scientific commercial crop and storage practices, and culminates in the perfect French fry on the consumer’s plate, a company statement said. S. Soundararadjane, CEO, HyFarm, said in the statement that, “around 80 per cent of quality issues in processing-grade potatoes can be prevented right in the field. Cold stores preserve quality — they cannot cure defects. Field-level quality assurance lays the foundation for healthy, high-quality tubers that meet the exacting standards of processors and consumers alike.” Hyfarm said that though India ranks among the world’s largest potato producers, in processing-grade potatoes, the sheer volume does not equal value. “What truly sets global leaders apart is consistency: the ability to deliver potatoes with the right dry matter, size uniformity, shape, skin finish, and fry colour — season after season,” the statement said. The consistency of the potatoes’ quality for French fry does not begin at the factory gate. “It begins much earlier – in the seed we select, the soil we nurture and the crop management we practice. In the processing value chain, quality is not a post-harvest correction; it is a pre-harvest discipline,” said Soundararadjane. Amongst India’s processing varieties, Santana stands tall as the backbone of the French-fry segment. Extensively cultivated across Gujarat’s potato belt — Mehsana, Palanpur, and Himmatnagar — the variety is prized for its uniform size, high dry matter, and excellent fry colour. Yet, maintaining these attributes from April to December in the subtropical climate of North Gujarat is a demanding task. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity can erode months of hard work. Preserving Santana’s processing quality requires discipline and precision at every step — from seed to cold store, he said. Starting with the seed Seed handling is the first and most decisive step in ensuring quality. Tubers must be stored in well-ventilated areas to avoid premature sprouting or fungal growth. Sanitized knives, proper aeration, and careful handling prevent disease spread and physiological stress — the earliest forms of “hidden loss” in the value chain. When the planting begins, precision defines success. The soil must be finely tilled for texture and drainage, with fertilizer guided by soil testing to ensure balanced nutrition. Timing is equally critical — seeds planted in soil with the right moisture and temperature produce uniform stands, consistent fry colour, and better yield. Soundararadjane said, “Throughout the growing season, every decision a farmer makes — from irrigation to nutrient management — directly influences the quality of the final harvest. Precision irrigation through drip systems ensures uniform moisture and efficient nutrient absorption, preventing fluctuations that affect tuber development. Fertilizer programmes must be guided by soil tests…” Growth with science Balanced application of nitrogen and calcium nitrate helps boost dry matter content, strengthen tuber structure, and improve overall solids. Equally vital is disease and pest management — preventive sprays against early and late blight safeguard canopy health, while seed treatments keep soil-borne pathogens like Scab and Rhizoctonia under control. It is during the harvesting season that months of effort meet their test. Experts recommend harvesting in moist but not wet soil, during cooler hours of the day, using adjusted harvester belts to minimise bruising. Tubers must be handled gently and transported in clean, ventilated vehicles, with varieties kept separate for full traceability. Lastly, before storage, potatoes undergo one final quality test – sorting and grading. Quality is a Shared Responsibility For India’s French-fry industry, the journey to global excellence begins not in the plant but in the field. Every step — from aerating seed stores to loading trucks — defines the quality that reaches international markets. If farmers and processors collaborate to cut post-harvest losses by even a few percentage points through scientific, field-driven assurance, the economic and reputational gains could be transformative. With the right science, care, and commitment, Gujarat’s Santana can set global benchmarks, the company said. Published on November 4, 2025
