Potato farmers across key growing belts of West Bengal are facing a sharp fall in prices, triggering widespread distress sales as arrivals surge and storage options remain limited. Market sources said farm-gate prices have dropped to levels that barely cover harvesting and transportation costs, putting pressure on growers just weeks after the peak harvesting season.
Traders in major mandis such as Hooghly, Burdwan and Bankura reported heavy inflows of fresh potatoes, leading to a supply glut. With cold storage facilities nearing capacity and rentals rising, many small and marginal farmers are left with little choice but to sell their produce immediately, often at throwaway prices.
Farmers said prices have fallen steeply compared to last year, despite higher input costs for seeds, fertilisers, labour and irrigation. “Our cost of cultivation has gone up, but prices are collapsing. Holding stock is not an option for many of us due to lack of storage and urgent cash needs,” said a farmer from Hooghly district.
Industry experts pointed to a combination of higher acreage, favourable weather and good yields this season, which has boosted overall production. While higher output is positive for food availability, the absence of effective price support mechanisms and weak procurement has hurt growers. Demand from institutional buyers and processors has also been slower than expected, adding to market pressure.
Cold storage operators said farmers are cautious about storing potatoes as previous seasons saw delayed lifting and payment issues. Rising electricity tariffs and storage charges have further discouraged stocking, forcing immediate sales into already crowded markets.
The state government is closely monitoring the situation, and farmer groups have urged authorities to step in through market intervention, export facilitation or procurement for welfare schemes. Analysts believe encouraging linkages with food processing units and expanding dehydration and chip-making capacities could help absorb surplus volumes in the medium term.
In the near term, prices are expected to remain under pressure unless arrivals ease or demand improves. The situation highlights the recurring challenge in India’s horticulture sector bumper harvests translating into farmer losses due to inadequate storage, processing and market stabilisation measures.