Anukool Joshi, Director, Supply Chain Agro, PepsiCo India, discussed the company’s current and future efforts to bolster the Indian agriculture sector.
Regenerative farming and community empowerment are at the heart of PepsiCo India’s agricultural efforts in Uttar Pradesh. Sustainable agriculture and farmer welfare are important to the company, and it recently showcased its work in Iglas and Hathras. PepsiCo India is collaborating with 27,000 farmers in 14 states, making it a leader in collaborative potato growing. In partnership with agri-input businesses, the company offers a full suite of services, such as premium seeds, guaranteed output buy-back, bank loans, and access to cutting-edge technology. In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Anukool Joshi, Director, Supply Chain Agro, PepsiCo India, discussed the company’s current and future efforts to bolster the Indian agriculture sector.
PepsiCo India has tied up with Cropin to enhance the quantity and quality of the potato crop. Could you elaborate on that?
PepsiCo India’s positive agriculture strategy focuses on regenerative farming practices, empowering farming communities in the agricultural supply chain. It has established deep-rooted relationships with local farmers to encourage environmentally sustainable cultivation. Our partnership with Cropin, through the Lay’s Smart Farm initiative, is a testament to this commitment.
This initiative leverages satellite-based predictive intelligence, combining satellite imagery with historical data to provide real-time insights that help farmers make informed decisions. Farmers receive accurate yield forecasts up to 45 days in advance through a user-friendly smartphone app, early warnings for potential disease outbreaks 10-14 days before they occur, and guidance on optimising farm inputs. These insights have improved crop quality and yield and helped reduce input costs.
So far, we have mapped over 15,000 acres across 20,000 plots, benefiting over 7,000 farmers. By integrating smart farming solutions, we aim to drive long-term resilience in agriculture and support farmers in achieving better economic outcomes.
What are the major challenges you face while informing the farmers about the recent tech trends in farming?
We have been working with 27,000 farmers across 14 states, building trust over time through consistent engagement, knowledge-sharing, and technology-driven solutions. Our philosophy of ‘Partnership for Progress’ is at the heart of this effort, ensuring that farmers are not just beneficiaries but active participants in agricultural transformation.
While innovations like satellite-based predictive intelligence, real-time soil health testing, and digital farming solutions offer significant benefits, widespread adoption requires awareness, accessibility, and trust-building among farmers.
Many farmers face barriers such as limited digital literacy, access to reliable infrastructure, and hesitancy in adopting new methods due to ingrained conventional practices. To address this, we focus on on-ground training, user-friendly digital tools, and collaboration with government and industry partners to create an enabling ecosystem. Initiatives like Lay’s Smart Farm and Project Mitti Didi are designed to make technology more approachable, providing real-time insights, early warnings, and precision farming techniques. By embedding these innovations into everyday farming practices, we help farmers improve yields, reduce input costs, and enhance overall livelihoods, creating sustainable progress for all.
How is PepsiCo working in the regenerative agriculture domain?
Regenerative agriculture is a key pillar of our sustainable farming strategy. We work closely with farmers to promote regenerative practices that improve soil structure, optimise water and nutrient use, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs. Our goal is to help farmers grow more using fewer resources while strengthening their livelihoods and building climate-resilient agricultural systems.
One such initiative is Project Mitti Didi, which addresses the challenges of soil testing—a critical yet often overlooked aspect of farming. In the Hathras district, we have trained women to operate portable machines that test soil health across 12 key parameters, including Potassium, Magnesium, Boron, and pH. These machines generate comprehensive reports within 30 minutes, highlighting any deviations from the ideal soil levels, offering farmers timely and accurate insights into their soil health. With timely information about their soil health, farmers are empowered to make informed decisions, leading to better planning and improved yields. The women operating this ‘Mitti Didi’ machine are now considered agri-preneurs in their communities.
Could you elaborate on the Greenfield Foods Manufacturing Facility in Nalbari, Assam?
PepsiCo India is committed to strengthening its partnership with Assam, and a key milestone in this journey is our upcoming Greenfield Foods Manufacturing Facility in Nalbari. Announced last year with an investment of Rs 778 crore, this state-of-the-art facility will generate employment opportunities and play a pivotal role in enhancing farmer livelihoods, advancing agriculture, and boosting the regional economy.
Our upcoming facility in Assam will positively impact the livelihoods of over 5,000 farmers in the region. By leveraging advanced technology and providing access to high-quality seeds and affordable machinery, PepsiCo India aims to boost potato sourcing to 50,000 tonne, supporting the production of our iconic Lay’s chips. Additionally, this will generate demand for 60,000 tonne of cold storage capacity, further strengthening the agricultural ecosystem in the region.
As we expand our footprint in Assam, we remain dedicated to empowering farmers and strengthening the state’s agri-value chain through our ‘Partnership of Progress.’
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