Overview and Growth
Barabanki district has established itself as the leading producer and exporter of red potatoes (Rajendra One variety) in Uttar Pradesh, despite government incentives favoring white potato cultivation. The district’s farmers have shown a strong preference for red potatoes, which have become integral to both local consumption and trade.
The cultivation area has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, expanding from 18,000 hectares in 2018 to over 24,500 hectares currently, with the previous year’s production reaching 695,000 metric tons. This growth has established Barabanki’s presence across various markets including Nepal, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Azamgarh, and Prayagraj.
Market Success and Economic Benefits
The popularity of Rajendra One potatoes can be attributed to their lower sugar content and extended shelf life compared to other varieties. These characteristics have contributed to significant economic benefits for farmers:
- Yield: 295-325 quintals per hectare
- Market price: Rs. 2,800 per quintal in recent trading
- Average farmer earnings: Rs. 20,000-25,000 per bigha
Despite the government’s promotion of white potato varieties like Kufri Anand and Kufri Bahar through subsidized seed programs (Rs. 2,995 per unit), farmers consistently prefer the Rajendra One variety due to its better market demand and higher profitability. The seed production scheme, running for 15 years, has seen limited adoption in Barabanki as farmers continue to favor red potatoes.
This trend has established Barabanki as a specialized hub for red potato cultivation, with traders preferring to purchase directly from fields, ensuring a stable and profitable market for local farmers.
