Asia, India, China, Middle East

From rice straw to potato fields: Vietnam connects crop rotations, composting and regional learning

A recent workshop in northern Vietnam focused on integrating potatoes into diversified farming systems, linking crop production, nutrient management, and local markets. Participants visited the Nam Cuong Cooperative to discuss innovative practices in rice and potato farming, aiming to enhance farmers’ livelihoods. The cooperative exemplifies how coordinated crop management can optimize resources. The collaboration explores sustainable practices, seed management, and composting, reinforcing the importance of adaptable farming strategies for broader agricultural success.

October 12, 2026

What the canopy cannot tell us: Heat damage hidden inside the potato ridge

Recent potato losses in East Asia due to extreme heat highlight significant production risks. South Korean grower Lee Sang-hyuk discovered that potatoes, seemingly healthy above ground, were damaged beneath the surface during a heatwave. The temperatures disrupt tuber formation, impacting yield and quality. The findings emphasize that managing soil temperature and moisture is crucial, as traditional measurements may not reflect the conditions tubers experience, leading to hidden crop losses.

September 10, 2026

El Niño warning intensifies as India’s potato season approaches

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts nearly 100% probability that the current El Niño event will persist into early 2027, raising concerns for potato production in India amid a deepening monsoon deficit. While the impact of El Niño varies regionally, farmers may face increased irrigation needs and potential crop stress due to below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures, heightening production risks without confirming loss projections.

September 8, 2026

From field checks to phone alerts: Gujarat woman potato farmer embraces digital decision-making

Priyankaben Chiragbhai Patel’s journey in northern Gujarat showcases the integration of digital tools in potato farming, emphasizing women’s evolving roles in agricultural management. With support from HyFarm, she utilizes mobile apps and sensors for irrigation and crop monitoring across her family’s 30-acre farm. Her experience illustrates the shift towards data-driven decisions, highlighting the importance of timely information while still valuing traditional farming practices.

August 27, 2026

The potato paradox: Why ‘low sugar’ is not the same as ‘low GI’

Potatoes contain little simple sugar, but labeling them as “low sugar” can mislead consumers regarding their blood glucose impact. The primary carbohydrate in potatoes is starch, which can significantly raise blood glucose levels after digestion. Various factors like processing, cooking methods, and potato variety influence glycaemic response. Clear, precise labeling is essential in the potato industry to help consumers understand the nutritional implications and avoid misconceptions related to terms like “low sugar” or “low GI.”

August 21, 2026

Japan’s Calbee resorts to black-and-white bags of potato chips as Iran war literally sucks color out of the world

Calbee, Japan’s largest snack maker, will change the packaging of select products to black and white due to supply disruptions caused by the Iran war. The move affects certain snacks like potato chips and shrimp-flavored Kappa Ebisen, but the products themselves remain unchanged. This decision, effective May 25, aims to ensure product stability amidst ongoing tensions that have impacted global supply chains.

May 13, 2026

Middle East war raises the stakes for potato growers as fertilizer, fuel, and freight pressures intensify

Since Potato News Today first reported on the Middle East war’s agricultural implications on March 14, the disruption has become more severe. Fertilizer trade through Hormuz has tightened, shipping costs have risen, energy remains expensive, and packaging markets are under new pressure. For the potato industry in the U.S. and globally, the main effect so far is a deeper cost squeeze – on production, storage, processing, and logistics.

March 28, 2026

War in the Middle East casts a growing shadow over potato farmers worldwide

Disruption linked to the current war in the Middle East is beginning to affect potato farming worldwide through higher fertilizer prices, tighter supply, and rising energy and freight costs. Because potatoes are sensitive to nutrient timing and often rely on long-term storage, the sector is especially exposed. The greatest immediate concern is fertilizer movement through the Strait of Hormuz, but longer-term risks include higher storage costs, delayed inputs, and tighter planting margins.

March 14, 2026

Discover Urschel cutting solutions for high-capacity food processing at ProPak Vietnam

Join Urschel at ProPak Vietnam from March 31 to April 2, 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, showcasing the Sprint 2 Dicer with Conveyor and the MicroAdjustable SL-14 Cutting Head. These innovative machines enhance food processing efficiency and precision. Discover the benefits of these cutting solutions for high-capacity operations and reduced waste at the Urschel booth. Learn more at Urschel.com.

March 13, 2026

ProPak Philippines 2026 to highlight Urschel and KRONEN food processing solutions

Urschel will showcase its latest food processing machinery at ProPak Philippines from February 4-6, 2026. Featured products include the DiversaCut 2110® A Dicer for high-capacity cutting, the versatile Comitrol® Processor Model 1700, the KRONEN PL 40K Potato Peeler for root vegetables, the KRONEN GS 10-2 Slicer for various cuts, and the KRONEN KS-100 PLUS Centrifuge/Dryer. Visit Stand E21 to explore these solutions and enhance food processing efficiency.

January 27, 2026

Urschel expands KRONEN portfolio into more countries

Starting January 1, 2026, Italy and Asia will join the U.S., Mexico, Pakistan, and China in offering Urschel Cutting Machinery alongside KRONEN Systems. This partnership will enable Urschel’s customers access to KRONEN’s food processing solutions, enhancing their processing capabilities. Urschel aims to provide innovative cutting methods while maintaining a commitment to customer support, ensuring seamless integration of their robust product offerings in the market.

December 29, 2025

Baked potato, bare hands: Gaza’s humanitarian collapse is not an abstraction – it is a nightly reality

The piece condemns the human-made humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza, emphasizing the lived reality behind headlines: cold, flooding, collapsing health services, hunger, and children paying the highest price. It rejects blanket blame of Jews while holding political leadership and enabling policies accountable for prolonged civilian suffering. Using the humble baked potato as a symbol of dignity and normalcy, it contrasts everyday comfort elsewhere with Gaza’s deprivation, urging practical compassion and meaningful action.

December 18, 2025

Punjab scientists develop potato variety capable of withstanding smog conditions

Scientists in Punjab, Pakistan, have developed a potato variety, Ijaz-22, that endures smoggy conditions, addressing concerns over worsening air pollution impacting agriculture. With Punjab cities frequently ranking among the world’s most polluted during winter, the Potato Research Institute has created 12 fog-tolerant potato varieties. The focus now shifts to further enhancing smog tolerance to mitigate delays in harvests and reduce crop vulnerability to pests and diseases.

December 16, 2025

Potato processing power: How China’s emerging industry could reshape the world of fries and chips

A new review in the journal Foods by a team of Chinese scientists maps the global potato-processing industry through a Chinese lens. It contrasts high-processing regions in Europe and North America with China’s fast-growing but still underdeveloped sector. The authors detail product streams, technology gaps, sustainability pressures and policy drivers, arguing that automation, branding and greener processing will decide who captures future value in fries, chips, flakes and starch.

November 23, 2025

Global frozen potato brand Lamb Weston brings crispy fries to Singapore

Lamb Weston celebrates its 75th anniversary by launching a retail range in Singapore, its first entry into Southeast Asia, offering four fry styles exclusively at FairPrice. The fries feature the innovative Stealth™ batter for enhanced crispiness and are Halal-certified, vegan, and gluten-free. The company emphasizes sustainability with thinner packs made from renewable materials. Introductory offers and sampling events will promote these products, showcasing Lamb Weston’s commitment to quality and innovation in home dining.

November 20, 2025

National Potato Council expresses disappointment on Japan fresh market access

The National Potato Council (NPC) expresses disappointment at the lack of U.S. market access for fresh potatoes in the recent U.S.-Japan agreement, citing Japan’s three-decade delays. NPC CEO Kam Quarles notes the missed opportunity to leverage Trump’s tariffs against Japanese protectionism. The economic impact on U.S. farms is significant, with losses exceeding $750 million. Dr. Julie Callahan recognizes Japan’s delays as a non-tariff barrier, emphasizing the need for policy change.

October 31, 2025

Flooded fields, uncertain harvests: Punjab’s potato belt faces a delayed season after devastating floods

Severe flooding in Pakistan’s Punjab province has inundated agricultural land, jeopardizing seed stocks and delaying crucial potato planting. Reports indicate that 1.3–1.8 million acres are affected, with significant damage to crops and infrastructure. The ongoing waterlogging and logistical issues may hinder the potato planting window from mid-October to December. Recovery efforts are critical, as this disaster threatens national food security and impacts Punjab’s key role in potato production.

October 4, 2025

From Ireland’s famine to Gaza’s hunger: Why the global potato industry must fight Israel’s starvation genocide of a defenseless people

In Gaza, a genocide unfolds as Israel’s military campaigns violently annihilate Palestinian life, predominantly affecting women and children. The death toll, exceeding 60,000, has resulted in extensive humanitarian crises due to the destruction of infrastructure and denial of aid. The United States’ unwavering support for Israel complicates international responses. The testimonies of survivors and journalists reveal profound grief and resilience, as global demands for justice amplify amid these atrocities.

September 30, 2025

2025 China-Dingxi Potato Conference showcases potato industry innovation

The 2025 China·Dingxi Potato Conference showcased the potato industry’s potential for innovation and growth. Held in Anding District, the event promoted the development of a national potato hub, emphasizing Dingxi’s agricultural importance. Since launching the “Potato Project” in 1996, the area has produced 900 million high-quality seed potatoes annually, boosting local economies and establishing China as a leader in global potato trade and food security.

September 28, 2025

Gujarat’s frozen fries boom: Transforming India into a potato export powerhouse

Gujarat’s Mehsana district has become a vital center for India’s frozen potato exports, contributing to a ninefold increase to ₹1,817 crore in FY25. Companies like Hyfun Foods and contract farming support economic growth, reducing import dependency from 70% to under 20%. The initiative aids 15,000 farmers, boosts rural prosperity, and presents challenges like water scarcity, necessitating government support for sustainable solutions to maintain this upward momentum.

September 27, 2025

CIP seeks Research Assistant (Seed Technologist) to bolster potato seed systems in India

The International Potato Center (CIP) is recruiting a Research Assistant (Seed Technologist) in Agra, India, to enhance potato seed systems. The role focuses on scaling seed potato production, managing lab facilities, conducting disease testing, introducing advanced technologies, and training stakeholders. Candidates should have a Master’s degree, relevant experience, and fluency in English and Hindi. The position is initially contracted through March 2026, with potential renewal based on performance.

September 24, 2025

HyFarm’s Paathshala initiative uplifts Indian potato farmers with sustainable practices

HyFarm, part of HyFun Foods, is transforming potato farming in India with the Paathshala initiative, a farm school program aiming to modernize agricultural practices. Celebrating 30 farmers’ graduation in September 2025, the initiative has trained over 7,000 farmers in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Achievements include 12-15% cost savings and 40% water conservation. HyFarm plans to expand the program to 30,000 farmers by 2028-29, enhancing rural livelihoods and agricultural sustainability.

September 24, 2025

India’s frozen French fry sector: Expanding capacity, growing exports, and the road ahead

This article, by Lukie Pieterse of Potato News Today, provides an overview of India’s rapidly expanding frozen French fry sector, with Gujarat as its core hub and new processing hubs emerging in Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. Once an importer, India now exports more fries than it consumes domestically, supplying Gulf and Southeast Asian markets. With major investments from McCain, HyFun, Iscon Balaji, Falcon Agrifriz, and Himalaya Food, processing capacity is expected to double by 2027.

August 19, 2025

‘Not just a fry’: HyFun Foods celebrates World French Fries Day by spotlighting potatoes from Indian farms to global plates

On World French Fries Day, HyFun Foods—India’s top exporter of frozen potato products—celebrates the journey from farm to fork by honoring the 7,000+ farmers powering its global success. With exports to over 40 countries and a processing capacity of 1,000+ tonnes per day, HyFun is spotlighting India’s growing role in global food trade. The company’s HyFarm initiative embodies its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and empowering rural agricultural communities.

July 11, 2025

Potassium fertilization boosts potato yield and quality in China, meta-analysis confirms

A landmark meta-analysis published in Field Crops Research highlights potassium (K)’s crucial role in enhancing potato yield and quality in China, based on 2,165 data points across 192 studies. Key findings show a 19.2% yield increase, improved nutrient uptake, and regional-specific K application recommendations. Emphasizing the need for sustainable practices, the research aims to optimize growth while addressing environmental concerns linked to K fertilization in China’s potato sector.

July 2, 2025