Date:09/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/09/stories/2006010902560700.htm

Back Contract farming to the fore

K.K. Mustafah

Farmers harvesting potatoes in Ithalar, Udhagamandalam, in Tamil Nadu. With nearly 60 per cent of the area in the country under potato cultivation, contract farming is widespread, mostly catering to processing companies. Apart from traditional potato products such as potato papads and laccha, potato chips and French fries also find huge export potential. Potato is a more than Rs 10,000 crore industry in the country. India is the third largest producer of after China and Russia.