Potato production in West Bengal is estimated to be increased by nearly 16 for every cent at a hundred and ten lakh tonnes (lt) this yr, in contrast to 95 lt in 2020. The increased production of the tuber in Bengal and other important developing States like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab is possible to exert force on costs.

Wholesale value of the tuber (the widespread Jyoti selection) has now halved to ₹800 a quintal throughout many markets in the Point out in contrast to ₹1,five hundred-1,600 in the exact same interval final yr.

Potato cold storages may well operate out of place soon

According to Patit Paban De, previous president of West Bengal Cold Storage Affiliation, the rise in production is principally due to the fact of increased area and the favourable climatic problems all through sowing and harvesting interval.

“Last yr, farmers received very good value for their crop due to the lower production and the constant demand just about in the course of the yr. This has encouraged them to go for increased cultivation of the crop this yr. Also, the favourable climatic affliction in the form of a extensive winter has assisted improve the productiveness and generate,” De instructed BusinessLine.

Potato production in the Point out was impacted in 2020 due to delayed sowing and unfavourable weather problems all through harvesting. The constant demand for the tuber from in just the Point out as nicely as the neighbouring markets kept costs organization.

The wholesale value of the tuber had enhanced to nearly ₹3,four hundred-three,five hundred a quintal in mid-November final yr. Nonetheless, costs began inching down and had been noticed ruling at all around ₹1,four hundred-two,000 in early January.

Potato, onion production estimated at document

Bumper Loading

Cultivation of the spud in Bengal is unfold about close to 4.6 lakh hectares. Hooghly, Burdwan, Bankura, East Midnapore and West Midnapore are important developing districts. There has been all around five-seven for every cent improve in acreage this yr, sources reported.

According to De, loading in cold storages is just about total and most retailer homes have been saved to upto ninety seven for every cent capacity. The loading in cold storages was lower in 2020 at only fifty five lakh tonnes (around seventy nine for every cent of the full capacity).

There are all around four hundred cold storages in Bengal and the full storage capacity is estimated to be close to 70 lt.

“While the costs are ruling constant at existing but we feel as soon as the unloading commences then costs will get started inching down,” reported Mintu Ghosh, a potato trader, in the Bankura district of West Bengal.