Gujarat's Farmers Graduate into a New Era of Potato Farming with HyFarm Paathshala
In a landmark event for Indian agriculture, the first-ever "HyFarm Paathshala Convocation Ceremony" was held in Gujarat, celebrating not just a harvest, but the graduation of a new class of empowered and knowledgeable farmers. The initiative, a pioneering "farm school" model developed by HyFun Foods' agri-business unit, HyFarm, represents a transformative movement that is seamlessly blending traditional wisdom with modern technology to create a globally competitive potato ecosystem, right from the soil of Gujarat.
The Paathshala Model A Classroom in the Fields
The genius of the HyFarm Paathshala lies in its simple yet revolutionary approach: it takes education out of the conventional classroom and places it directly in the fields where farmers live and work. This is not a theoretical exercise but an immersive, hands-on learning experience. Over the past growing season, the program established more than 30 demonstration farms across 17 different micro-pockets of the state, directly engaging with over 7,000 farmers. Throughout the entire crop cycle, from pre-planting to post-harvest, subject matter specialists worked side-by-side with the farmers, demonstrating and implementing a range of scientific best practices. This included everything from detailed soil testing and precise seed treatment to balanced crop nutrition and the optimisation of irrigation. The result is a powerful, peer-to-peer learning environment where farmers can see the benefits of modern techniques firsthand.
Tangible Results From Knowledge to Profit
The impact of this on-the-ground training has been nothing short of transformative, with farmers translating their newfound knowledge into tangible and significant gains. By adopting precision techniques like drip irrigation, Paathshala participants were able to achieve remarkable water savings of up to 40%, a critical advantage in a water-scarce region. They also successfully reduced their overall cost of cultivation by 12-15% and optimized their seed usage, saving valuable resources.
These efficiency gains have led directly to increased profitability, but the benefits extend to the quality of the produce itself. Farmers are reporting stronger tubers with higher solid content and a significant reduction in common issues like undersized and greening potatoes. The experience of Rakesh Patel, a farmer from Mehsana, is a powerful testament to the program's success. "The water savings alone were a huge relief," he said. "This year I tried Paathshala’s regenerative practices on just part of my land, and the results amazed me. Next year, I will apply these learnings across all my fields."
More Than Training A Movement of Empowerment
The convocation ceremony itself was a deeply symbolic moment. Farmers, draped in honorary scarves and holding their certificates, walked with their heads held high, celebrated by their families and industry leaders. This was not just a recognition of their learning but a powerful declaration of their new status as "knowledge icons" and role models within their communities.
This sense of empowerment is the ultimate vision of the program. As Haresh Karamchandani, the Managing Director & Group CEO, HyFun Foods, stated, "Paathshala is more than training; it is empowerment, confidence, and community building." The initiative is a trusted partner in the farmers' journey, ensuring every resource, from a single drop of water to a single seed, delivers maximum value. These graduates now return to their villages as ambassadors of modern, sustainable farming, ready to inspire their neighbors and spark a much larger transformation. With a bold vision to collaborate with 30,000 farmers by 2029, the success of the Paathshala proves that the path to a stronger nation begins in the farmer's field.
Paathshala Highlights
Innovative Farm School Model: The HyFarm Paathshala is a unique initiative that takes education directly to the fields, using demonstration farms to provide hands-on training to over 7,000 potato farmers in Gujarat.
Transformative and Measurable Impact: The program has delivered tangible results, with participating farmers reducing cultivation costs by up to 15%, saving up to 40% on water, and significantly improving the quality of their harvest.
Farmer Empowerment: The initiative is not just about training but about creating "knowledge icons" and community leaders who can drive the adoption of modern, sustainable farming practices.
Ambitious Future Vision: Following the success of the program, HyFarm has set a goal to collaborate with 30,000 farmers and procure one million tonnes of potatoes by the 2028-29 season.
