| Recently, around 25 farmers from the Kutch region approached the company to collaborate for potato farming on a contractual basis. |
| "We are also keen to partner with the farmers and are currently exploring the option to enter Bhuj," said Jaideep Mukherji, country manager, McCain Foods India Pvt Ltd. |
| The company would first study the climate in the region before helping farmers grow potato in Kutch, he added. Around 400 farmers in the north and central Gujarat are associated with the company. McCain undertakes contract farming of potatoes on around 1,000 acres in areas such as Deesa, Vijapur, Palanpur, Himmatnagar and Anand. |
| "With the help of the technology and guidance provided by the company, farmers in north Gujarat could increase the per acre yield to 18-12 tonnes from the earlier 10-12 tonnes," Mukherji added. |
| McCain Foods Pvt Ltd is part of world's largest producer of French fries and potato speciality "" McCain Foods Ltd, which has a sales turnover of over $6 billion. |
| After extensive research and field trials for potato farming in arid area of north Gujarat, the company in 2007 commissioned its potato processing plant in Mehasana district of the state. It invested around Rs 100 crore in facility, which has a processing capacity of 40,000 tonnes. |
| Canada-headquartered McCain Food has around 56 plants in over 110 countries. Globally, McCain buys and processes nearly 3 per cent of the total potatoes grown for consumption. |
| In India, fast food chain McDonalds is its largest customer. The company also plans to bring in more varieties for potato farming in Gujarat. |
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