Frito-Lay to make stakes at Sankrail

Frito-Lay India is all set to start production of its patented potato stakes in its plant at Sankrail in Howrah, to feed the Indian market.

"We have added a stake line in our plant at Howrah and the national requirements would be sourced from this plant," said Gautam Mukkavill, managing director of Frito-Lay India.

Currently the potato stakes are being imported from its China plant.

Frito-Lay India is a part of the $27 billion PepsiCo.

It has a production capacity of 1,250 ton per month at the Howrah-based plant which now produces potato chips and light snacks.

Speaking in the sidelines of India International Potato Expo, organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, he said the corporates can play huge role in breaking the low productivity cycle of the Indian agriculture.

"Over the last five years of our operation, the production has increased from 3000 ton to 57,000 ton under contract farming," he said.

According to the MD, post-harvest management remained an area of concern in the country.

"Today about 4.25 million ton of potato is lost every year on the account of poor post harvest handling, which is about half the production of UK and Germany taken together," he explained.

He said the company was working hard in promoting the Agro-CSR in West Bengal under which 1200 farmers would be covered through the SHGs.

"Under this programme, we have initiated moves to grow chip-grade potato in the state and commenced agricultural programmes in Midnapur, Hooghly, Bardhhaman, Bankura and Purulia districts through 34 co-operatives and 1200 farmers.The project will cover 1,000 hectares.