Mahindra HZPC boosting farmer’s profit with its innovative potato variety Colomba.

Mahindra HZPC Pvt Ltd is a joint venture of Mahindra Agri Solutions Limited (a group company of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd) and HZPC Holding B.V. world's largest seed potato player based out of Holland. The joint venture happened in 2014 with the objective to bring in access to latest technology, new varieties and open up global markets for Indian farmers. MHZPC delivers quality seed potatoes to farmers and high-quality tissue culture minituber to seed potato growers.

“This variety is a blockbuster.”

Colomba one of the table potato varieties, which was introduced by Mahindra HZPC in India and first commercially sold in year 2020, is now gaining popularity among farmers in Gujarat and Bengal due its unique features like short duration (75-80 days), bright skin, common scab resistance and higher yield as compared to traditional table potato varieties.

The big size tubers and bright and attractive skin make it preferred choice for potato traders. According to the news published in Potato Sandesh on 30 May 2024, the table potato, Colomba potato variety, is getting sold at 15-20% higher price as compared to other traditional table varieties like Pukhraj and Badshah at Surat and Deesa mandi of Gujarat.

Colomba boosting farmer’s profit in Gujarat

Farmers in Gujarat are getting 20% higher yield and ₹ 3-4 per kg higher price of Colomba versus its competing table varieties by which farmers are able to earn ₹ 35000-50000 higher per acre just changing the variety. Mahindra HZPC is creating significant social impact and value for farmers. The improved yields and higher market prices are contributing to enhanced profitability for farmers, thereby boosting their overall economic well-being.

The road ahead

In the last year itself, MHZPC Colomba variety sales volume has grown from 2000 tonnes to 5000 tonnes, marking a 150% increase in a single year! And looking ahead, MHZPC has set ambitious goals. By 2030, the company aims achieve a sales volume growth of up to 12000 tonnes by a single variety Colomba, a testament to its commitment to continuous innovation and growth in the potato farming sector.