Potato is an important crop not only of the developed countries but also of the developing countries. It is probably the most popular food item in the Indian diet and India is one of the largest producers of potato. It is also known as ‘The king of vegetables’, has emerged as fourth most important food crop in India after rice, wheat and maize. It is grown all over the country with Uttar Pradesh growing the maximum quantity. Potato is a very rich source of starch. It also contains phosphorus, calcium, iron and some vitamin C & A. The protein calorie ratio is high.

The potato processing industry has evolved over the years until it has become possible to buy potatoes as frozen French fries, potato rounds, stuffed baked potatoes, shredded potato patties, hash browns, curly fries, seasoned fries, or mashed. Dehydrated potatoes come as flakes or granules for instant mashed, hash browns, diced for soups and stews, or sliced for au gratin, etc. One of the benefits of processing potatoes, aside from convenience to the consumer, is that it gives an opportunity to use the less than perfect potatoes, resulting in less waste.

Opportunities for Potato Production and Utilization Technologies

There are significant opportunities for improved potato production and utilization technologies in this part of the world to address poverty, food security, and environmental degradation. There are millions of households in the region that grow potatoes, each household producing on average about two tons of this commodity on 0.1 to 0.2 hectares of planted area per year. Demand for potatoes is increasing rapidly, and a large share of production is marketed as a vegetable cash crop, with a small but increasing share going for processing.

The potato plays a strong role in developing countries with its ability to provide nutritious food for the poor and hungry. The demand for potato is growing as both a fresh and processed food.  In India, Potato is cultivated in almost all states under diverse agro-climate conditions. About 85 per cent of Potatoes are cultivated in Indo-gangetic plains of North India. The states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar and Gujarat accounted for more than 80 per cent share in total production.

Here’s some Potato Based Projects for investment:

Grain & Potato Based Vodka Distillery

Potato Starch

Potato French fries

POTATO CHIPS (Different recipe and flavors)

Good Future Prospects For Potato Powder/Flakes Project

Potato Powder, Flakes & Granules With Cold Storage

Frozen Finger Chips

Potato Chips/Wafers in Different Flavours

See more: http://goo.gl/5KRBCs