Explaining their experience with PepsiCo, the farmers said that they were labelled as thieves and the officials of the company illegally took samples from their fields. (representational image) (Pic via Martin B. Sanchez/Facebook)
Explaining their experience with PepsiCo, the farmers said that they were labelled as thieves and the officials of the company illegally took samples from their fields. (representational image) (Pic via Martin B. Sanchez/Facebook) 
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PepsiCo India Unconditionally Withdraws All Legal Suits Against Gujarat Farmers In Potato Case

BySwarajya Staff

PepsiCo India has withdrawn all the cases filed against some farmers in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts of Gujarat, reports Zee News.

While filing the cases, the American food and beverage giant had accused the farmers of growing a few unique varieties of potato upon which PepsiCo had secured the patent.

Talking to media, the lawyer of farmers, Anand Yagnik said, “PepsiCo, today, has unconditionally withdrawn the cases against farmers of Banaskantha, Sabarkantha and Aravalli districts. This is a victory of the farmers.”

Explaining their experience with PepsiCo, the farmers said that they were labelled as thieves and the officials of the company illegally took samples from their fields.

The farmers are now urging the government to work pro-actively to come up with robust legal provisions to safeguard the rights and interests of the Indian agrarian community.

Soon after PepsiCo filed cases against nine farmers of the state alleging that they were illegally growing and selling a variety of potato that is patented by the company. The company said that it has sole rights over a few particular types of vegetable that is used to prepare its Lay’s brand of chips.