Price of potatoes goes south

Tribune news Service

Jalandhar, December 7

With the arrival of fresh potato crop in the markets last month, the prices of potatoes have fallen down. A few months ago the price of potatoes was Rs 2,400 per quintal, potato prices have come down to Rs 1,000 per quintal this month after the arrival of the new crop.

Potato growers in Doaba region have been battling it out. They have been struggling to get their crop sold in eastern states as well as other parts of the country.

Speaking to the Jalandhar Tribune, a potato grower and representative of Jalandhar Potato Growers Association (JPGA), Jagat Parkash Singh said last crop was still in the market and fresh potato crop came in market and resulted in fall of prices.

He said there is bumper crop this year; as the potato growers are getting more yield. The yield was 80 to 85 quintal per acre.

Jagat said the scenario is still better than the previous years. In past couple of years farmers were forced to sell potato produce at Rs 400 to Rs 500 per quintal. More over the yield was not at par with this year’s yield.

“The process of sending crop to eastern states has been started and two rail coaches had already been sent. After December 10 it will be done on a rapid pace,” he added.

Dr Satvir Singh, deputy director, Horticulture Department, said there is 20,000 hectare area under the potato crop in Jalandhar. The crop that is being harvested at the moment is just for fresh use only as it cannot be stored for long. This could be one of the reasons for the decreased prices.

It is notable that the potato growers have been selling their crops for more than Rs 2,400 per quintal. One of the factors behind higher prices was that potatoes were being exported to Pakistan this season through Wagha Border.