As potato prices fall, farmers stare at losses

Parveen Arora
Tribune News Service
Karnal, December 22

The sudden fall in the wholesale prices of potatoes has left farmers of the district staring at losses. The fall of Rs 2,700 per quintal in 30 days has them worried.

On November 21, farmers sold potatoes for Rs 3,400 per quintal. A month later, the price plummeted to Rs 700. Early harvesting that led to glut in the market is being considered a reason for the sudden fall in price.

Early harvesting led to glut

On November 21, farmers sold potatoes for Rs3,400 per quintal. A month later, the price plummeted to Rs700.

Early harvesting that led to glut in the market is being considered a reason for the sudden fall in price.

Some farmers in the district grow potatoes that mature early before sowing wheat in the hope to augment their income. But it is not turning out to be so. Farmers say the input cost has been rising, but the returns are dwindling.

Gaureesh Gosain, a progressive farmer from Gangar village, said: “Earlier, the wholesale prices of potato were high. This month, the prices plummeted to Rs 700 per quintal, which is insufficient in light of the increasing input cost.”

He added there was need for a sustainable procurement of potatoes. Besides, the state government should construct cold stores so that the excess produce could be stored for future sale and consumption.

Some farmers, meanwhile, have delayed the harvesting of potato. One of them is Jaspal. “As the crop is not fetching remunerative prices, I have decided to wait for some time. I am aware that my decision will further delay the sowing of wheat, for which I have already purchased the seed,” he said.

Another problem facing farmers is the decrease in production. “This time, the yield is around 80 quintals per acre in comparison with 150 quintals last year. On the contrary, the input cost increased,” said Raj Singh, a farmer from Uncha Samana village.

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