KOLKATA, INDIA — PepsiCo India will expand its operations in the state of West Bengal with a new potato chip production line at its manufacturing facility in Kolkata.

The company said the investment aligns with its plans to double its snack business in India by 2022 and has the potential to generate more than 300 jobs. 

As part of the site’s development, PepsiCo India also will increase its potato sourcing from West Bengal by 50% through its Farmer Friends program. 

“Agriculture is at the heart of PepsiCo and our farmer friends are the backbone of our business,” said Ahmed ElSheikh, president and chief executive officer of PepsiCo India. “As we grow, we look forward to further strengthen our relationship with the farmer community in the state.”

PepsiCo India currently works with more than 24,000 Indian farmers to source ingredients. All the potato used in the company’s Lay’s and Uncle Chipps brands are locally sourced. Through its initiatives for potato cultivation, the company offers training, advanced plant protection programs and assured buy-back with reasonable returns.