Banas Dairy Expands French Fries Plant in Gujarat: Processing Capacity Rises to 5 Tonnes per Hour

Banas Dairy has expanded its French fries processing plant at Sanadar in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, increasing its production capacity from 2 tonnes to 5 tonnes per hour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the expanded facility on 30 October 2026.

The project involved an investment of ₹51.65 crore and is expected to strengthen potato processing in North Gujarat. The expansion may also allow Banas Dairy to procure more processing-grade potatoes from farmers. However, the cooperative has not yet announced new procurement targets or the number of additional farmers it plans to engage. <Cite refs={["turn978665search0","turn978665search1"]}/>

Key Details

Source: PotatoPro and Moneycontrol. <Cite refs={["turn978665search0","turn978665search1"]}/>

From Seed to French Fries: How the Model Works

Banas Dairy has developed an integrated potato supply chain that connects seed production, farming, cold storage and processing.

• Quality seed: The system includes the multiplication of potato planting material and production of certified seed.
• Farmer cultivation: Farmers grow potatoes suited to industrial processing requirements.
• Cold storage: Storage infrastructure helps manage the supply of potatoes for processing.
• Processing: Suitable potatoes are converted into frozen French fries for the market.

This integrated approach helps the processor manage raw-material quality and availability. Processing potatoes require suitable characteristics, including tuber length, dry matter and sugar levels. <Cite refs={["turn978665search0","turn978665search1"]}/>

Why Is This Development Important for Gujarat?

Banaskantha is a major potato-producing district. Government figures cited in the industry report show that the district produced approximately 1.87 million tonnes of potatoes from 61,016 hectares in 2024–25.

The expanded plant strengthens the region's processing infrastructure and could increase demand for potatoes that meet French fries production standards. However, the actual effect on farmer procurement will depend on future sourcing plans, contracts and plant utilisation. <Cite refs={["turn978665search0"]}/>

What This Means for PB Stakeholders

Farmers

• Understand which potato varieties are suitable for French fries and other processed products.
• Maintain consistent tuber quality and follow recommended crop practices.
• Check procurement terms and quality requirements before entering a contract.

Traders

• Learn the difference between potatoes for fresh consumption and those intended for processing.
• Connect with buyers whose variety, size and quality requirements match the available crop.

Cold Storage Owners

• Maintain suitable storage conditions for processing-grade potatoes.
• Keep accurate records of variety, stock quality and storage duration.

Potato Processors

• Expanded capacity may support greater production, but reliable raw-material supply remains essential.
• Coordination with farmers, seed suppliers and storage operators can help maintain consistent quality.

🟢 PB Takeaway

Banas Dairy's expanded French fries plant is an important development for Gujarat's potato-processing sector. It strengthens the link between potato cultivation and value-added food production.

For farmers, the key opportunity is to understand processing requirements and explore verified procurement arrangements. Higher factory capacity does not automatically guarantee higher prices or new contracts, so farmers should confirm buyer demand before making crop decisions.