A variety of potatoes developed by FMCG giant Pepsico’s India division has triggered a patent-infringement battle in the country. The snacks and beverages major has sued a few farmers in Gujarat for growing potatoes which the company uses to make its Lay’s chips. The MNC has sought Rs 1 crore each from four farmers for cultivating the FC5 potato variety. In an Ahmedabad commercial court, the company claimed it is the registered breeder of FC5 under India’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act. PepsiCo has been developing and registering a variety of potatoes in India since the production of Lay’s took a hit in 2008. 

This edition of the big picture take a closer look at the potato conundrum.