Aligarh: Potato cultivation is being done in a large area in Aligarh and Hathras districts, which are included in the potato belt. Here, not only namkeen and chips are prepared from potatoes, now powder is also being prepared. Currently, 75 tonnes of potato powder is being made daily, but many other businessmen are also moving in this direction. It is believed that by 2025, three more powder-making companies will start.
Potato is being cultivated in 30245 hectares in Aligarh and 50 thousand hectares in Hathras. Many well-known companies making chips also purchase potatoes from here. Now gradually the demand for potato powder is increasing. People associated with this business say that dishes like burgers, cutlets, parathas and tikkis are being made abroad with potato powder.
The namkeen made abroad also has the taste of potatoes from this region. Potato powder from here is being sent to five countries including Israel, Brazil and Indonesia. Earlier in the year 2018, 29 tonnes of potatoes were exported from Aligarh to Guyana in South America. This export was done through FPO.
Atul, the owner of the powder making company, told that his company produces 75 tonnes of potato powder daily. After coming from the cold store, the potato is peeled. Then it is washed. After this, it is boiled and ground. Later it is dried and powdered. This powder can be used in any dish. Its price ranges from Rs 120 to Rs 130 per kg. District Horticulture Officer Shivani said that potato production is continuously increasing, hence the demand is also increasing in the same way.
Potato area in Aligarh – 30245 hectares
Potato area in Hathras – 50, 000 hectares
Cold stores in Aligarh and Hathras – 256
Storage capacity – 22 lakh metric tonnes
