Potato production to be lower by 10 lakh tonne in FY18

A view shows potatoes at a vegetable storehouse in the settlement of Vinodelnensky in Stavropol region, Russia June 30, 2017. REUTERS/Eduard Korniyenko - RTS19A7G

Amid lower acreage of potato cultivation by five per cent, potato production in the 2018 season is likely to be close to 100 lakh tonne.

"Potato production in the current season is expected to be 100 lakh tonne against about 110 lakh tonne production in 2017," West Bengal Coal Storage Association president Patit Paban De said here today on the sidelines of the 53rd AGM.

Agricultural marketing minister Tapan Dasgupta also said production will be good and the state is ready to offer all necessary assistance for smooth marketing of the staple.

Agriculture adviser to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Pradip Kr Mazumdar, also expected that there will be no major impact on production of potato despite delayed sowing due to disruptions caused by bad weather.

Speaking about the government's strategy regarding potato production and pricing, Dasgupta said a meeting is scheduled on February 19 with the stakeholders.

He hoped there would be no major jump in potato price this year, despite the shortfall, since the state government already has a carry over stock of close to 9 lakh tonne, as of January 1, 2018.

It will help offset the eight to nine per cent lower production projection over last year.

Mazumdar, speaking about rabi season paddy cultivation said, due to unfavourable weather conditions and some diseases, production impact may be marginal.

West Bengal will be supplying paddy to a few states such as Kerela, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu to the tune of some 20 lakh tonne, Mazumdar said.