Potato growers in an Indian district are facing significant challenges due to deformed potato yields, affecting both marketability and consumption.
Farmers, including Rabindranath Mukherjee from Molaypur village and Mukta Das from Pandua, reported: "We purchased Punjab potato seeds named 'Korma'. The sowing was done in December last year, as is the usual practice. Typically, the growth of potatoes is checked after two to three months. However, when we dug up the first layer of soil for inspection, we were shocked to find that the potatoes were not in their usual shape but were severely deformed. Such potatoes have no market value and are also considered unsuitable for human consumption."
Investments amounting to nearly ₹100,000 (approximately US$ 1,200) were made with expectations of high yields, but the outcome has been detrimental. The agricultural department addressed the issue by summoning seed suppliers from Punjab. A meeting was held involving the BDO, Zilla Parishad Krishi Karmadhyaksha, and Arambagh MP Mitali Bag. The suppliers agreed to compensate farmers at a rate of ₹900 (around US$ 11) per quintal of deformed potatoes through government channels. However, the compensation is still pending.
Farmers have appealed to the state agricultural department to develop indigenous high-yield potato seeds to reduce dependence on external suppliers and mitigate the risks associated with poor seed quality.
Source: The Statesman