Bareilly, a prominent district in Uttar Pradesh, is witnessing a significant surge in its potato cultivation and production, a trend that has been consistently observed over the past three years. This boom in potatoes is not only enhancing the local economy but also highlighting the crucial role of inter-district trade, with a substantial portion of the potato supply in Bareilly’s markets originating from neighbouring Badaun.
The district’s potato acreage and output have shown remarkable and consistent growth. In 2022, Bareilly cultivated potatoes across 7,035 hectares, yielding an impressive 23.99 lakh quintals. This upward trajectory continued into 2023, with the cultivated area expanding to 7,055 hectares and production reaching 24.05 lakh quintals. The most recent data from the past year, 2024, further exemplifies this positive trend, as 7,133 hectares were dedicated to potato farming, resulting in a robust production of 24.36 lakh quintals. This consistent expansion leads the Horticulture Department to anticipate further increases in potato acreage this year, with sowing typically commencing in October. A key factor driving farmers’ increased interest and their shift towards potato cultivation is the consistently favourable prices they have received for their produce over the last two to three years. This financial incentive makes potato farming an attractive option for the region’s agricultural community.
To support this growing output, Bareilly is well-equipped with infrastructure. The district boasts 31 cold storage facilities, collectively capable of safely storing 1.60 lakh quintals of potatoes, which plays a crucial role in maintaining quality and ensuring supply throughout the year. These facilities exemplifies the improved management and preservation of potatoes in the district. Key potato-growing regions within Bareilly, identified by District Horticulture Officer Jitendra Kumar, include Alamgirpur Jafrabad, Majhgawan, Faridpur, and Aonla, which are recognised as highly productive potato belts.
Despite Bareilly’s impressive local production figures, the Badaun district maintains a significant and even dominant presence in meeting Bareilly’s potato demand. According to Rajesh Kumar of Sindhu & Company, a prominent wholesale vegetable and fruit mandi commission agent, a striking 80 percent of the potato consumption in Bareilly is met by supplies from Badaun district. The Bareilly mandi experiences a substantial daily influx of potatoes, with 10-12 trucks arriving each day, each carrying a considerable volume of approximately 1500 quintals of potatoes. Currently, potatoes are being sold in the wholesale market at a competitive price ranging from 10 to 12 rupees per kilogram, encompassing all varieties of potatoes available. It is also noteworthy that while Badaun potatoes flood the Bareilly market, certain local varieties from areas within Bareilly, such as Wazirganj and Bissauli, are specifically directed to the large Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, indicating a diversified market for Bareilly’s produce.
The continuous growth in Bareilly’s potato sector, supported by modern storage facilities and an active market, along with the strong supply partnership with Badaun, collectively demonstrates a thriving and dynamic potato economy in the region. This trend is beneficial for farmers and consumers alike, promising stability and prosperity in the agricultural landscape.
