Could Noida Airport Boost Potato Exports from UP?
Uttar Pradesh is preparing dedicated infrastructure at Noida International Airport in Jewar to facilitate potato exports and connect the state’s major potato-producing regions with international markets. The planned facility is expected to simplify export processing and certification for farmers and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs). The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has proposed a 50-acre Agri Export Hub near the airport’s cargo terminal. The hub is planned to include food processing and packaging facilities along with gamma-radiation treatment equipment for fresh produce. These facilities could support shipments to markets including West Asia, Russia and Europe.
Potato Exports From Uttar Pradesh To International Markets
Uttar Pradesh produces more than 20 million tonnes of potatoes annually and remains India’s leading potato-producing state. Not only this, but several potato varieties, including 3797 and Surya, have gained access to international markets after meeting quality requirements. Processing varieties such as Frysona and Fry Home are also being prepared for export and are used in products such as French fries and potato chips. According to reports, the proposed infrastructure could particularly benefit the state’s 17 major potato-producing districts. Notably, Aligarh, one of the key production centres, has around 650,000 tonnes of potatoes stored across 126 cold stores.
An initiative of focusing value-added potato products
The initiative comes as India expands its focus on value-added potato products and better export logistics. Moreover, recent developments in frozen potato processing and cold-chain infrastructure are also creating new opportunities for exporters and potato growers. With faster access to cargo facilities and international markets, Noida Airport could provide Uttar Pradesh’s potato sector with another route to expand potato exports, along with encouraging greater processing, packaging and value addition.
