In Una, Himachal Pradesh, a notable harvest of potatoes has led to favorable market prices, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri to advocate for a robust system to ensure fair compensation for farmers. The district's potato output is projected at 28,000 metric tons, with prices ranging from $27 to $34 per quintal. Agnihotri highlighted the potential for a potato-based economy in Una, similar to the state's successful apple industry.
Efforts are underway to bolster potato production and marketing frameworks to protect farmers from exploitation and ensure equitable pricing. Una is renowned for its large-scale potato cultivation, with the Pukhraj variety being particularly prolific. The district saw potato planting over 1,800 acres during the last Kharif season and approximately 1,200 hectares during the Rabi season, yielding an average of 250 quintals per hectare. The Agriculture Department is actively involved in supporting farmers with crop management and pest control advice.
Source: TheWeek