On July 18, 2025, the ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI) hosted a significant interface meeting with PepsiCo officials to discuss "Tuber Crop Value Chain Development for Snack Food Innovation".The main interface meeting covered various crucial aspects, and participants included Ms. Neelu Singh, Associate Director – Agro, Supply Chain, PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd., and Mr. Ravindra Bisht, PepsiCo R&D Operational Excellence Lead-AMESA (Africa Middle East & South Asia), Lead-India R&D western category (Foods). Dr. P. Sethuraman Sivakumar, Principal Scientist, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives of the interface. Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, presented the technologies developed by ICAR-CTCRI for cassava and sweet potato chips industries. PepsiCo, representatives provided insights into root crops suitable for the processing industry, available processing facilities, and techniques relevant to the snack segment.
A key discussion on aligning research and industry needs involved ICAR-CTCRI scientists and PepsiCo officials, focusing on varietal suitability for processing, mechanization, agronomic packages, quality parameters, and post-harvest management. PepsiCo officials visited the sweet potato and cassava fields, led by Dr. Visalakshi Chandra. This was followed by a visit of PepsiCo officials to the Crop Utilisation Division and Techno-Incubation Centre at ICAR-CTCRI. The day concluded with an interactive session where Dr. G. Byju and PepsiCo officials identified gaps, opportunities, and explored potential joint projects or trials.
