International Potato Day narrates a story deeper than a simple ingredient. In the verdant farmlands of Idar, Gujarat, potatoes emerge from carefully tended earth, embodying the intersection of traditional farming and modern agricultural science. A pioneering partnership between McDonald’s India and McCain Foods exemplifies how collaborative agricultural practices can transform a humble potato into a global favourite.
For nearly three decades, this partnership has been creating the most loved Fries. The journey of these iconic Fries begins with selecting the right potato and ends with a commitment to consistent quality. At the McCain plant in Mehsana, advanced techniques transform these farm fresh potatoes, while retaining their nutritional goodness and flavour profile.
On this International Potato Day, the spotlight turns to the unsung heroes – farmers who nurture the land to grow this versatile vegie and the potato itself that connects diverse ecosystems and feeds millions across the nation.
Nimeshkumar Sardarbhai Patel, one of the potato farmers from Idar, Gujarat, highlights the tangible impact of these innovative practices: “Since partnering with McCain I got to know a lot of new farming techniques such as drip irrigation. From this method, my potato yield has doubled, even with reduced use of water, space, and fertilizers. What was once just two acres of wheat has now expanded to four acres of thriving potato harvests. The potato farming here is benefiting not only my family but also inspiring over twenty farmers in our community.”
