India’s Potato Exports Surge – New Policy Boosts Profits

Potato mandi prices in key UP markets rose 8% week-on-week, driven by fresh export orders and new APEDA export policies (potatopro.com, Nov 2025). Punjab saw stable rates, but Bengal mandis reported 12% higher demand. APEDA’s new focus on seed potato varieties and African processing contracts marked a major policy change.

India remains the world’s third-largest potato producer, with the 2023-24 harvest at 59.74 million MT. APEDA is pushing quality upgrades, offering certification support and export training to select clusters. Old storage stock depleted earlier than last year due to hot spring weather, driving quick market arrivals. Advanced cold storage in North India boosted supply chain stability. Yet, transport disruptions in Bengal and Bihar post-monsoon affected mandi inflows, causing local price spikes. Top export varieties include Kufri Jyoti and Bahar. Producers with APEDA support now get up to 10% premium over mandi rates, especially for export-grade lots.

Strong export demand from Indonesia, Nepal, and the US is lifting prices. Africa’s demand for Indian seed potatoes is up sharply. Domestic consumption for fries and snacks is stable. Bengal and UP processors bought extra stock after early rains dampened output in some belts. Value-added products—frozen fries, chips—saw 17% higher orders year-on-year. Fast-moving consumer foods are driving urban demand. Traders report quick contract fulfillment as export orders now get priority access to newly certified stocks.

lowest impact: Kanpur, UP, price, well-irrigated supply kept rates low | highest impact: Hooghly, West Bengal, price, rain-led storage loss spiked prices | stable: Ludhiana, Punjab, price, high arrivals balanced exports and domestic

APEDA’s certification and training programs now cover 14 new potato clusters. Government offers 5% freight subsidies for long-haul exporters. New Indian Potato Board proposal, now under consultation, promises to streamline registration, subsidize cold storage for seed potatoes, and enforce stricter quality norms from December 2025. Climate-driven storage losses remain a risk, especially in Bengal, where post-monsoon humidity led to 4% higher spoilage. Policy uncertainty for fertilizer prices may impact late-season cost planning for farmers.