Potato market in India

Earlier Report Observations

After reaching 51 310 thousand tonnes in 2018, India's fresh potato production declined over the next two years, dropping to 48 562 thousand tonnes by 2020. This contraction was influenced by lower yields in major producing states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, which reduced output and contributed to price volatility. The market also felt the broader impact of pandemic-related disruptions, which affected supply chains and demand patterns.

A strong recovery began in 2021, with production rising to 54 230 thousand tonnes and continuing to grow to 60 142 thousand tonnes by 2023. This expansion was primarily fueled by increased investments in the processed potato sector, with Gujarat emerging as a major hub for large-scale facilities. Government policies supporting cold storage infrastructure helped reduce post-harvest losses, while advancements in freezing technology and the entry of major companies like McCain and HyFun Foods strengthened the supply ecosystem and boosted export potential.

The market's growth trajectory was further supported by a shift in consumer preferences towards processed and convenience potato products, driven by quick-service restaurant growth. Policy measures, such as the imposition and subsequent removal of a Minimum Export Price on fresh potatoes, were used to balance domestic availability with growing international demand, particularly in Asian markets. These developments collectively transformed India into a significant exporter in the frozen potato segment, reinforcing the upward trend in overall production.

Production potato in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

India was one of the world's leading potato producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Potato production in India declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, India produced 48 562 thousand tonnes of potatoes, marking a moderate decline of 3.2% compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 51 310 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports potato from India

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, potato exports from India totaled 296.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 29.0% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 417.4 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 24.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Oman were the primary destinations for India's potato exports by volume. Nepal accounted for 68.4% of exports, Sri Lanka for 7.0%, and Oman for 6.2%, collectively representing 81.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

India exported $71 637 thousand worth of potatoes in 2020, down 6.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $57 554 thousand, while the peak occurred in 2019 at $76 596 thousand, which also saw the largest annual increase of 33.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Nepal, Oman, and Sri Lanka formed the key group of partners for India's potato exports by value. Nepal accounted for 49.1% of export value, Oman for 9.7%, and Sri Lanka for 9.4%, jointly representing 68.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato to India

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.0 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest annual decline of 97.4%. In 2020, potato imports to India amounted to 0.1 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 696.0% from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2017, with a 46-fold difference between the highest and lowest volumes.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and Oman dominated India's potato imports by volume, accounting together for 87.5% of total import flows, while other destinations made smaller individual contributions.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at $16 thousand, which experienced the largest annual decline of 90.2%. In 2020, imported potato volumes to India amounted to $33 thousand, representing an abrupt increase of 110.2% from 2019. The peak was recorded in 2018 at $159 thousand, with a 10.2-fold gap between the highest and lowest values.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, two countries—Oman and Germany—concentrated most of India's potato imports by value, while other markets were less significant individually.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020