Potato farmers in West Bengal are navigating a complex landscape of high production and economic concerns. This year, the state anticipates a yield of 14 million tons, but expected profits remain elusive. Farmers report difficulties in securing even the minimum expected prices, shifting the mood from relief to despair.
Samir Bhandari, a farmer from Bankura district, noted, "We have not received fair prices for Pokhraj potatoes harvested since the first week of January. On average, we have been offered only ₹550 per quintal (approx. $6.63 per 100 kg), which does not even cover our production costs. Farmers are incurring significant losses." He also expressed concern about the Jyoti variety, stating, "We are at a loss about what to do and feel hopeless."
The West Bengal government has set a procurement price of ₹900 per quintal (approx. $10.84 per 100 kg) for Jyoti potatoes. However, farmers question the adequacy of this price. Utpal Ray from Hooghly district remarked, "Why has the government decided on a procurement price of only ₹900 per quintal? If the agriculture department conducts a proper cost analysis, they will understand the real expenses involved in potato cultivation."
Many potato farmers, often sharecroppers without land ownership documents, find themselves ineligible for the government's purchase scheme. This situation is further complicated by state procurement policies, which require land ownership documentation for participation.
Media reports indicate that the government has tasked cold storage facilities with procuring potatoes between March 1 and March 31. However, as of March 1, cold storage operators reported a lack of clear directives from authorities. Prasenjit Chatterjee, a cold storage owner in Bankura, stated, "The matter remains unclear to us."
West Bengal produces 9 to 10 million tons of potatoes annually, with leading districts including Hooghly, Bardhaman, and Bankura. Jyoti remains the most cultivated variety. Despite favorable weather conditions contributing to a good yield, farmers face challenges with rising input costs. The price of potato seeds and fertilizers has surged, with farmers turning to the black market for essential supplies.
Cooperative societies, once a major source of agricultural loans, are now largely non-functional. Farmers are increasingly relying on microfinance companies, which charge higher interest rates. Localized weather events in January caused some damage, but overall conditions have been favorable.
Farmers report cultivation costs of ₹30,000–33,000 per bigha (approx. $361–$398). Despite a bumper crop, many face financial losses, with market prices for Pokhraj and Jyoti potatoes fluctuating. Agricultural laborers also face payment delays, creating further economic strain.
The government announced plans to procure 1.1 million tons of potatoes at ₹900 per quintal (approx. $10.84 per 100 kg), but implementation challenges persist. Cold storage has not yet begun purchases, and farmers express reluctance to participate due to the low minimum support price and documentation barriers. Many farmers continue to sell to private traders despite lower profits, highlighting the need for clearer policies and a more supportive framework.
Source: The Wire