Abdul Basit
Bandipora 03 April: PepsiCo, the multinational food and beverage corporation, has shown interest in buying potatoes from Gurez Valley, located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. Gurez Valley is known for its high-quality potato farming, and the company is eyeing the region as a potential source for the raw material needed for its popular potato chips.
The company has reportedly been conducting research on the potato varieties grown in Gurez Valley and their suitability for use in potato chips. Local farmers have welcomed the news, saying that it could provide a boost to the region's economy and create employment opportunities for young people.
"We are happy that a big company like PepsiCo has taken notice of our valley and our potatoes. This could be a great opportunity for us to earn more and improve our livelihoods," said a local farmer, who has been growing potatoes in the valley for decades.
The proposed production unit would also provide a market for the surplus potatoes produced in the region, which could help address the issue of food wastage and provide a steady source of income for farmers.
Despite few concerns, the news has been welcomed by many in the region as a potential game-changer for the local economy, and an opportunity to showcase the high-quality potatoes grown in Gurez Valley to a wider audience.
DC Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad said that Gurez is more than just a place for agriculture. Its beauty and stories are steeped in history and legend, making it a favourite destination for those seeking to explore the unknown. The valley has been a bastion of growing quality potatoes for generations, and it is believed that the tough terrain kept the valley mostly closed from the rest of the world during the winter months, making potatoes the lone source of staple food crop of the valley.
He said that Agriculture Research & Extension Station, izmarg of SKUAST-Kashmir are evaluating various high yielding lines of potato for Gurez valley under its Potato Research Program under Gurez conditions. We are also in touch with kvk for a welfare of people.
