11 March 2025, Kolkata: Potato farmers in West Bengal are facing financial challenges despite an abundant harvest this year. The state is expected to produce around 14 million tons of potatoes, but low market prices are causing distress among farmers. Many are struggling to sell their produce at reasonable rates, turning their optimism into concern.
Samir Bhandari, a farmer from Bankura district, shared his disappointment, saying, “Since the first week of January, we have been selling Pokhraj potatoes at just ₹550 per quintal (approx. $6.63 per 100 kg). This price does not even cover our production costs, leading to significant losses.” He also expressed worry about the Jyoti variety, adding, “We are unsure how to manage the situation and feel helpless.”
The state government has announced a procurement price of ₹900 per quintal (approx. $10.84 per 100 kg) for Jyoti potatoes. However, many farmers believe this price is insufficient. Utpal Ray from Hooghly district questioned the government’s pricing decision, stating, “If the agriculture department conducts a proper cost analysis, they will realize the true expenses involved in potato farming.”
A significant number of potato farmers, especially sharecroppers without land ownership documents, are unable to benefit from the government’s procurement scheme. State policies require land ownership proof for participation, leaving many farmers excluded from the initiative.
According to media reports, cold storage facilities were instructed to begin procurement between March 1 and March 31. However, as of March 1, operators claimed they had not received clear guidelines. Prasenjit Chatterjee, a cold storage owner in Bankura, stated, “We are still waiting for clarity on the matter.”
West Bengal typically produces 9 to 10 million tons of potatoes annually, with major production hubs in Hooghly, Bardhaman, and Bankura. The Jyoti variety remains the most widely cultivated. Despite favorable weather boosting yields, farmers are grappling with increased input costs. Prices of seeds and fertilizers have risen sharply, forcing many to buy from unregulated markets.
Once a major source of agricultural credit, cooperative societies have largely become inactive, pushing farmers toward microfinance companies that charge high interest rates. Although some localized weather issues in January caused damage, overall conditions have been conducive to good production.
Farmers estimate cultivation costs to be around ₹30,000–33,000 per bigha (approx. $361–$398). Despite a bumper yield, financial struggles persist due to fluctuating market prices of Pokhraj and Jyoti potatoes. Agricultural laborers are also facing payment delays, adding to the economic pressure.
The government has announced plans to procure 1.1 million tons of potatoes at ₹900 per quintal, but challenges in implementation remain. With cold storage procurement yet to commence and farmers wary of low support prices and documentation hurdles, many continue to sell to private traders at lower rates. This situation underscores the need for more effective policies and stronger support mechanisms for potato farmers.
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