A historic milestone unfolded in Gujarat this week as HyFarm, the agri-business unit of HyFun Foods, hosted the first-ever “HyFarm Paathshala Convocation Ceremony”.

What took place was far more than a formal gathering. It was the celebration of a movement where HyFarm’s potato farmers came together as pioneers of change, a moment where traditional wisdom was enriched by seamlessly blending with modern technologies. This, “back-to-school” model is creating a high-quality, globally competitive potato ecosystem that honours the past while embracing the future.

The Paathshala Model

HyFarm Paathshala has emerged as a first of its kind farm school designed to take knowledge
out of classrooms and into the very fields where farmers work. Over the past season, 30+ demonstration farms across 17 micro pockets engaged more than 7,000 farmers in immersive, hands-on learning. From soil testing and seed treatment before planting, to balanced nutrient and precision irrigation during the crop cycle and finally to harvest practices that improve quality and reduce losses every technique was explained, demonstrated, and adopted side by side with subject matter specialists.

Impact on Farmers

The results have been transformation—Paathshala farmers turned knowledge into action, optimizing drip irrigation to save up to 40 per cent water, reducing cost of cultivation by 12–15 per cent, and reducing seed use per acre through optimized planting techniques. These gains boosted profitability while also enhancing quality: stronger tubers, higher solid content and lesser undersized and greening in potatoes.

For farmers like Rakesh Patel, from Mehsana the experience was life changing. “The water savings alone were a huge relief. Saving seven bags of seed per acre adds directly to my profit. But even more important was the quality of my harvest. 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.”

The HyFarm Paathshala Convocation Ceremony itself was a moment of pride. Farmers walked with heads held high, draped in scarves and carrying certificates, cheered on by families, peers, and agri-industry leaders. This was not just a recognition of learning but a declaration that these men and women farmers had become knowledge icons for their communities role models who will inspire neighbouring villages to adopt better practices.

Haresh Karamchandani, Managing Director & Group CEO, HyFun Foods, highlighting the vision said, ““At HyFarm, our mission is clearly to uplift the quality of life of our partner farmers by strengthening their economics. Paathshala is more than training; it is empowerment, confidence, and community building. By blending traditional wisdom with modern practices, Gujarat’s farmers have emerged as champions of change carrying India’s potato story from our soil to global markets. When farmers rise, the nation rises with them.”

For Gujarat’s farmers, HyFarm Paathshala is more than a training initiative—it is a trusted partner on their journey, ensuring every drop of water, every seed, and every rupee delivers greater value. These Graduated Paathshala Farmers now return to their villages as ambassadors of modern farming, showing how small changes can spark big transformation.

S. Soundararadjane, CEO, HyFarm, reflected with equal pride, “This year has shown us the power of small steps. A soil test, precision irrigation, optimal spacing, even the smallest practices add up. Together, they lower costs, improve yields and most importantly, ensure quality. A farmer’s year-long effort is ultimately measured by quality, and that is why we walk alongside our farmers, focusing on every detail that helps them achieve it. When quality rises, so do our farmers. That is the true spirit of Paathshala knowledge that translates directly into results.”

Looking ahead, HyFarm has set a bold vision: to collaborate with 30,000 farmers and procure one million tonnes of potatoes by 2028-29. The success of Paathshala proves that progress begins in the farmer’s field.