Kurukshetra farmers relieved as potato rates jump four-fold
Potato growers in Kurukshetra are rejoicing as higher market prices for their crop are bringing much-needed relief. Farmers are receiving between Rs 1,300 and Rs 2,000 per quintal, a significant improvement from last year's prices of Rs 250 to Rs 550 per quintal.
Big relief
Last year, I sold my crop at Rs 400 to Rs 550 per quintal and failed to recover even the cost of production. This year, I sold at Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,700 per quintal due to higher demand and lower yield, which is a big relief for farmers. — Rakesh Bains, farmer
The price hike is attributed to reduced yield due to extended hot weather, lower arrivals and strong demand from other states. Around 30,000 acres in the district are under potato cultivation, with over 3.10 lakh quintals of potato arriving at the Pipli grain market and 52,000 quintals at Shahabad grain market as of Wednesday.
Rakesh Bains, who cultivated potatoes on 30 acres, said, "Last year, I sold my crop at Rs 400 to Rs 550 per quintal and failed to recover even the cost of production. This year, I sold at Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,700 per quintal due to higher demand and lower yield, which is a big relief for farmers."
Rajeev Kumar, a farmer from Rawa village, said, "Initially, I sold my produce at Rs 2,300 per quintal, and recently, it fetched Rs 1,650 to Rs 1,800 per quintal. The extended hot weather reduced yields, which is one of the reasons for the price hike. However, prices may cool down as arrivals increase."
Potato trader Dharmpal Mathana said such high prices have not been seen in the past four years. "Nearly 70% of the stock is being sent to Bihar. While white potatoes fetch Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,700 per quintal, red potatoes command Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000. Farmers are happy with the current rates and we expect prices to stay stable in the near future," he added.
Gurmeet Singh, secretary of Pipli grain market, said, "The moderate price is around Rs 1,550 per quintal. Local farmers are bringing their produce now and Punjab farmers will arrive in March with matured crops. Against the average yield of 80 to 100 quintals per acre, this year's yield is around 60 to 70 quintals per acre. Despite lower yields, farmers are content due to better prices."
Last year, around 13.95 lakh quintals of potatoes were brought to the Pipli grain market. Singh believes that a significant price drop is unlikely for now.
