- Gujarat has once again set an example of how infrastructure, technology, and agriculture can come together to create opportunities for our farmers: Ashwini Vaishnaw
- MoU signed during Vibrant Gujarat marks a major step toward agri-industrial growth, farmer empowerment, and global food exports from Gujarat
- The plant is expected to commence operations in 2026, with 80% production for export and 20% for domestic markets, aligning with the “Make in India for the World” vision.
- The upcoming plant will engage over 5,500 farmers under contract farming, ensuring fair, risk-free earnings and strengthening the rural economy
R MANICKAVASAGAM
MEHSANA, OCT 10
In a major boost to Gujarat’s agri-industrial sector, Farmton Foods Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the Somnath Group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Gujarat at Ganpat University, Mehsana, during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, announcing a ₹580 crore investment to establish a greenfield frozen potato processing plant.
The landmark partnership underscores Gujarat’s emergence as India’s agri-processing powerhouse, combining innovation, sustainability, and rural development.
Empowering farmers, driving rural prosperity
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel lauded the initiative, saying, “This project exemplifies Gujarat’s growth model — a perfect blend of industrial excellence and farmer empowerment. With such partnerships, we are not only attracting investment but ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots level, strengthening our agricultural economy.”
Union Minister for Railways, Communications and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, commended Gujarat’s proactive approach, adding, “Gujarat has once again set an example of how infrastructure, technology, and agriculture can come together to create opportunities for our farmers. This project will open up new markets, enhance export potential, and generate large-scale employment.”
Rameshbhai Mali, Managing Director, Farmton Foods, emphasized the company’s long-term vision: “This MoU is an investment in our shared dream to make India a global hub for potato-based products. We aim to empower local farmers through contract farming, ensuring stable income and sustainable livelihoods while adopting advanced, environment-friendly technologies.”
Greenfield plant: Innovation rooted in sustainability
Under the MoU, Farmton Foods will set up a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing:
- 6.5 tons/hour of French fries and coated fries, and
- 2.5 tons/hour of hash browns and specialty potato products.
The plant is expected to commence operations in 2026, with 80% production for export and 20% for domestic markets, aligning with the “Make in India for the World” vision.
The company’s sustainability roadmap includes:
- 50% reduction in water use through advanced drip irrigation,
- Zero-waste goal by 2030 via peel-to-feed and bioenergy conversion, and
- Proprietary seed development for high-yield, resource-efficient varieties.
Farmton’s deep roots in Gujarat’s agri ecosystem
Backed by over 60 years of expertise in potato cultivation, the Somnath Group partners with 8,000+ farmers across 8,200 acres, with a storage capacity of 80,000 metric tonnes and an annual trading volume exceeding 75,000 MT.
The upcoming plant will engage over 5,500 farmers under contract farming, ensuring fair, risk-free earnings and strengthening the rural economy.
“Vibrant Gujarat”: Platform for Regional Growth
The event, attended by key dignitaries, including Balvantsinh Rajput (Industries Minister), Raghavji Patel (Agriculture Minister), Rushikesh Patel (Health Minister), and Kanubhai Desai (Finance Minister), reflected the State’s strong policy support for industrial collaboration and agri-entrepreneurship.
The Farmton Foods MoU stands as a shining example of Vibrant Gujarat’s regional initiative, translating investment intent into tangible, inclusive growth that benefits farmers, industries, and consumers alike.
