Date:31/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/31/stories/2005033101041000.htm

Back Himalya in contract farming pact with HP potato farmers

Our Bureau

Mumbai , March 30

HIMALYA International Ltd (HIL) has made backward linkage by way of contract farming in potatoes with farmers of Paonta Sahib in Himachal Pradesh.

The company has provided seeds, organic manure, and total technology to the farmers.

A total of 150 farmers are being involved during the current year and anticipated volume is 1,000 tonnes.

A separate extension wing headed by an agriculture expert has been set up to ensure top quality organic herbs.

HIL has introduced `baby potato skins stuffed with cheese and tomatoes' for the upscale appetiser market.

Appetisers and hors d'oeuvres are a rapidly growing market involving constant innovation and diversity of cuisine.

The small potatoes are de-cored, baked or fried, and stuffed with sauce, cheese and bacon or tomatoes or eggplant for variety.

These potatoes, being low on starch and high on fibre content, are better for health than large potatoes.

HIL is processing these potatoes as blanched and IQF frozen for exports to the US.

The company has received an order for 15 lakh pounds (around 6.8 lakh kg) of specialty baby potatoes with skin-on from the US food chain group, Acme.

"The total volume of this product in 2005 is expected to be 25 lakh pounds (around 11.33 lakh kg) valued at Rs 8 crore," said Mr Man Mohan Malik, Chairman and CEO of HIL.

IQF baby potatoes are part of gourmet food in the US and the UK.

The US is the second largest producer and consumer and the largest exporter of potatoes, but it imports specialty baby potatoes from India.