Turning Kashmir’s potatoes into popular chips

A tale of transformation unfolds in the remote and breathtaking region of Gurez, tucked away beyond the Razdan Pass in the majestic Himalayas in the Kashmir valley. Once haunted by the mournful echoes of 17th-century poet Habba Khatoon’s songs, the local inhabitants now find themselves filled with hope as their potatoes will soon be in the realm of a corporate enterprise. 

Gurez valley, with its towering peaks adorned by a tapestry of coniferous and pine trees, and the Neelum or Kishan Ganga River cascading through the landscape, gifts its surroundings with a cold climate and fertile soil. 

The very lands, once abandoned during the turmoil of 1947 when violence and division tore apart the bonds of the Dard tribes along the Line of Control, now bask in a glimmer of hope for the revival of their local economy, thanks to a proposition from a corporate company. 

Potatoes and an opportunity for youth

The Kashmir valley already boasts a significant potato production of approximately 15,000 tonnes per year. But it faces geographical challenges due to its proximity to the Burzil Pass – a gateway to Gilgit Baltistan in Kashmir, which results in the closure of the snow-covered mountainous highway for six months. 

Dilbar Khan, a seasoned potato farmer from the picturesque Tulail village in Gurez, has dedicated a decade of his life to growing potatoes. He envisions boundless potential in the international interest sparked by PepsiCo’s offer, which has inspired the youth of Gurez to embark on a journey of cultivating potatoes for Lay’s chips, the popular branded product. 

Previously, after completing their high school education, these youngsters had no choice but to seek employment in faraway towns like Bandipora or Srinagar. “The lack of employment opportunities has forced many people to scatter and migrate to more developed areas of the Kashmir valley. Those who remain often work as porters for the army,” said Khan.

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Khan firmly believes that the new development will not only bolster their economy but also provide an opportunity for the local youth. However, with this new venture, they can now establish thriving businesses right here in their homeland. Khan’s words reverberated with conviction as he said, “It will herald an economic change in the region.” 

Organic potatoes

Furthermore, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) has pledged its support to the farmers. The university has announced its plans to provide specific varieties of potato seeds free of cost. 

SKUAST’s agricultural scientists have advised farmers to focus on organic potato farming. This initiative aims to produce high-quality potatoes that are free from diseases, insects, nematodes and other harmful agents.

PepsiCo, the American multinational corporation that ventured into India in 1989, plans to buy potatoes from the farmers of Gurez. At an altitude of 8,000 feet above sea level, nearly every household in Tulail village depends on potato farming. 

The locals take immense pride in their produce, which garnered attention after the region was opened for tourism in 2015. 

Better avenues for potato farmers

Saleema Bano, a young farmer who has inherited the family’s expertise in potato cultivation, shared her aspirations of selling their produce to prominent businesses and expanding their production capacity in light of the opportunity from the corporate entity. 

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She proudly declared, “Our potatoes are special and free from pests. I involve my siblings in the work, aiming to have the most productive farm in the region.” 

Ghulam Ahmad, an elderly farmer, is gearing up for mass production of potatoes which can boost his financial condition. 

“It’s a moment of joy for us, as this region has long suffered from a lack of employment prospects. Initially, our potatoes were limited to the Kashmir valley, and I am exhilarated to witness how Gurez potatoes will be transformed into chips for a renowned brand,” he said.

Social activist Amir Anees Lone, who recognises the need for employment generation in the area, has applauded the development. However, beyond the tourism boom and the increasing presence of armed forces, the corporate offer still presents challenges for Gurez. 

Its winters are harsher than the other parts of the Kashmir valley, and even helicopters struggle to take off during medical emergencies. It remains to be seen how PepsiCo will overcome these hurdles.

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The lead image at the top shows a woman farmer in Gurez (Photo by Mohammad Nayeem Mir)

Mohammad Nayeem Mir is pursuing his master’s in journalism at Kashmir University.