Gujarat’s potato farmers reap benefits from HyFarm’s unique “HyFarm Paathshala”
Initiative designed to enable farmers increase yields while reducing cultivation costs ~
“Model Farms” to drive & demonstrate re-generative agricultural practices ~
Ahmedabad, 10 October, 2024: HyFarm, the farmer- connect brand of HyFun Foods, India’s largest processor of potatoes into French Fries and potato specialties in India today launched “HyFarm Paathshala” an initiative which is the first in the industry to enlighten the company’s contract potato growers engaged in growing French Fry varieties for further enhancing crop productivity.
A “Knowledge Centre” blending modern technologies with the traditional wisdom of potato farmers, “HyFarm Paathshala” is focused on driving re-generative agricultural practices, reduce cost of cultivation and improve yields of French Fry varieties.
HyFarm has established 30 “HyFarm Paathshalas” referred to as model farms across north Gujarat’s potato growing regions, primarily focused in Sabarkantha and Banaskantha. “HyFarm Paathshala” will drive hands-on trainings and provide guidance in three crucial phases – the pre-sowing stage, mid-season and pre-harvesting by blending together the knowledge of potato experts, global subject matter specialists, technology and the experiences of potato farmers in the French Fry industry.
Soundararadjane S., Chief Executive Officer, HyFarm, said, “Gujarat’s potato farmers are the first to adopt new technologies and learn about new methods of cultivation to improve yields. It is important they are provided access to the latest advancements in agronomy, helping them upgrade to use latest technologies and in the process enabling them to reduce the cost of cultivation and improve yields.”
At “HyFarm Paathshala”, we believe it is our responsibility to take care of Mother Earth who provides us with fertile soil that helps feed a fast-growing population. The pre-sowing stage is an important step in potato farming, where the foundation for a successful harvest begins.”
The pre-sowing stage starts with testing of the soil health which helps both farmers and experts determine the right nutrients and fertilizers required for achieving better yields. This is followed by planting seeds treated with fungicides, proper seed spacing and depth thereby maximizing tuber growth. Enhancing yields are a combination of various factors and sowing at the right time ensures achieving better yields.
“HyFarm Paathshala” will witness the use of IoT sensors and digital tools to monitor soil and weather conditions. This will enable farmers make data-driven decisions for achieving the best results.
Haresh Karamchandani, Managing Director & Group CEO, HyFun Foods, says, “At HyFarm we remain committed to equipping Gujarat’s potato farmers with the latest technological advancements to tackle and overcome various challenges including climate change. We have always focused on re-generative agricultural practices which has ensured the production of superior quality of raw materials for millions of consumers across the globe. As HyFarm grows, our focus remains to create multiple opportunities for new potato farmers who are at the cusp of entering the French Fry industry.”
HyFarm’s farmers will also have access to knowledge on potato farming shared by potato experts and subject-matter specialists across the globe. This will be translated in Gujarati using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and will provide guidance on a wide-range of topics such as Nutrition, Water and Disease Management through “Farmoji”, HyFarm’s mobile application.
India’s agriculture sector remains a key contributor to the nation’s economy and introduction of new technologies and availability of quality agronomic inputs go a long way in boosting the sector’s growth. HyFarm endeavors to move the productivity needle, thereby enabling increased potato production while having a positive impact on the environment.
