Gujarat-based HyFarm Foods, the agribusiness arm of HyFun Foods, is betting on rising temperatures in Uttar Pradesh to transform the state into India’s next major French fry processing hub over the next three to five years.
According to CEO Soundarradjane S, gradual warming trends in Uttar Pradesh have led to an increase in the “solid percentile” — or dry matter content — in potatoes grown in the state, a key requirement for French fry production.
“A good French fry requires a dry matter content of 20–24 per cent to ensure firmness and crispiness,” he said. Traditionally, Uttar Pradesh potatoes, largely grown for table consumption, recorded solid content below 17 per cent. Over the past four to five years, this has risen to 19–20 per cent and continues to climb, making the state increasingly suitable for processing-grade potatoes.
HyFarm currently works with around 7,000 farmers across 30,000 hectares in Gujarat’s potato belt, procuring approximately 4 lakh tonnes of potatoes annually under assured buyback arrangements. The company aims to scale procurement to 10 lakh tonnes by 2028 and expand its farmer base to 30,000.
The expansion roadmap includes entry into Madhya Pradesh by 2028 and Uttar Pradesh by 2030, as part of a broader strategy to diversify sourcing geographies and strengthen India’s position in the frozen potato segment.
A key differentiator for HyFarm is its vertically integrated seed-to-shelf model, a six-to-seven-year process that begins with laboratory-grown mini-tubers using aeroponics technology and ends with processed fries supplied to quick service restaurants and global markets.
The company now produces 90–95 per cent of its own seed requirements and distributes nearly 1 lakh tonnes of seed annually — double the volume of two years ago. Over seven years, seed distribution has grown from 3,000 tonnes to making HyFarm one of the largest seed multiplication players in India’s potato industry.
This integration has reduced procurement risks linked to weather disruptions, which earlier led to 20–30 per cent shortfalls when dependent on external suppliers.
HyFun supplies major QSR chains including Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut in India and exports to over 50 countries, with Japan serving as a key quality benchmark market.
India’s French fry industry largely depends on a single Dutch potato variety, Santana, creating supply vulnerability. To diversify, HyFarm is partnering with breeders across regions with tropical climates similar to India, including the Middle East, Egypt, Spain and California.
The company is also evaluating varieties developed by the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), such as Kufri Frysona and Kufri FryoM, which are emerging as alternatives for processing.
New variety options are expected to reach farmers within the next three to four years.
HyFarm reports an 80–85 per cent farmer retention rate over seven years. Beyond competitive pricing, the company provides agronomic advisory through its Farmoji mobile application, seed financing support and access to a network of cold storage facilities across Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
All 7,000 partner farmers are digitally connected through the app, enabling real-time advisory and strengthening long-term relationships.
India’s frozen potato exports surged nearly 45 per cent year-on-year in 2025, crossing 2.51 lakh tonnes, as global demand for processed potato products rises. Domestic consumption also offers headroom, with India’s per capita potato consumption at around 25 kg annually compared to 70–100 kg in Europe.
With the French fry segment growing at roughly 20 per cent annually, industry players are calling for the formation of a Potato Processors Association of India to advocate for export promotion, certified seed standards, tariff benefits and cold chain investments.
As capacity expansions continue and climate patterns shift, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh could emerge as the most significant additions to India’s evolving potato processing map, reshaping the country’s frozen potato trade in the coming decade.