Potato production in West Bengal is estimated to be greater by just about sixteen per cent at 110 lakh tonnes (lt) this yr, in contrast to 95 lt in 2020. The greater production of the tuber in Bengal and other important growing States which includes Uttar Pradesh and Punjab is likely to exert pressure on charges.
Wholesale rate of the tuber (the frequent Jyoti range) has by now halved to ₹800 a quintal across numerous marketplaces in the Condition in contrast to ₹1,five hundred-1,600 in the same period final yr.
Potato cold storages may well operate out of area shortly
In accordance to Patit Paban De, former president of West Bengal Chilly Storage Affiliation, the increase in production is largely due to the fact of greater location and the favourable climatic circumstances in the course of sowing and harvesting period.
“Last yr, farmers obtained pretty superior rate for their crop because of to the reduced production and the steady demand from customers virtually all over the yr. This has inspired them to go for greater cultivation of the crop this yr. Moreover, the favourable climatic affliction in the form of a prolonged wintertime has aided raise the productivity and produce,” De told BusinessLine.
Potato production in the Condition was impacted in 2020 because of to delayed sowing and unfavourable weather conditions circumstances in the course of harvesting. The steady demand from customers for the tuber from within just the Condition as properly as the neighbouring marketplaces retained charges organization.
The wholesale rate of the tuber had greater to just about ₹3,400-three,five hundred a quintal in mid-November final yr. However, charges started out inching down and have been noticed ruling at all around ₹1,400-two,000 in early January.
Potato, onion production estimated at history
Bumper Loading
Cultivation of the spud in Bengal is spread about close to four.six lakh hectares. Hooghly, Burdwan, Bankura, East Midnapore and West Midnapore are important growing districts. There has been all around five-7 per cent raise in acreage this yr, sources stated.
In accordance to De, loading in cold storages is virtually entire and most retail outlet residences have been stored to upto 97 per cent potential. The loading in cold storages was reduced in 2020 at only fifty five lakh tonnes (about seventy nine per cent of the whole potential).
There are all around 400 cold storages in Bengal and the whole storage potential is estimated to be close to 70 lt.
“While the charges are ruling steady at present but we truly feel as soon as the unloading commences then charges will begin inching down,” stated Mintu Ghosh, a potato trader, in the Bankura district of West Bengal.
