The 2025 potato loading season in Bengal has been marked by a palpable sense of anticipation and speculation, even before the official figures are released. Whispers of record-breaking loads and district-level reports circulating on social media have fueled discussions among traders and farmers alike. The official confirmation of the total potato loading in Bengal is eagerly awaited, with the West Bengal Progressive Potato Traders Association’s state committee meeting poised to unveil the consolidated data.
Initial estimates for the total loading across Bengal were exceptionally high, with figures reaching as much as 28 crore packets being suggested early in the season. However, this number raised eyebrows within the industry, especially when juxtaposed with the state’s official cold storage capacity. Government reports indicate that Bengal has 515 cold storage facilities with a total capacity of 81 lakh metric tons, which is equivalent to 16 crore 20 lakh packets (assuming 50 kg packets at full capacity). This discrepancy highlighted the potential for misinformation and underscored the importance of verified data.
Amidst this backdrop of statewide speculation, district-level loading reports, particularly from South Bengal, have started to emerge. While these preliminary figures offer a glimpse into regional loading patterns, they also potentially lessen the perceived significance of the state committee’s consolidated report for some.
One district that provides a compelling case study is Howrah. Our analysis reveals that in 2025, Howrah district achieved a remarkable 100% potato loading, with a total of 11 lakh 95,800 packets filled across its five cold storage facilities. This full capacity loading is particularly noteworthy when considering the factors that influenced the local potato cultivation and trade in the region.
Several factors contributed to this high loading in Howrah:
1. Delayed Planting and Lower Local Production: Unseasonal rains led to delays in potato planting in Howrah, resulting in a lower than usual local potato production, estimated to be around 4 lakh packets
2. Attractive Prices in Udainarayanpur: The Udainarayanpur market in Howrah witnessed high potato prices, creating an incentive for traders to bring in potatoes from other regions
3. nflux from Other Districts: To capitalize on these favorable prices and meet the demand, significant quantities of potatoes were transported to Howrah from neighboring districts like Hooghly and North Bengal, as well as other unspecified areas.
4. External Investment: Investors from outside the Howrah district also played a role by bringing in potatoes and storing them in the local cold storages.
The 100% loading in 2025 marks a significant increase compared to the potato loading in Howrah in the preceding years. In 2023, the loading was 97.6% of capacity, while in 2024, it stood at 85.98% . The achievement of full capacity in 2025 underscores the impact of the aforementioned factors in driving potato inflows into the district.
Looking beyond Howrah, the overall potato loading scenario in Bengal for 2025 is shaped by several other key influences. There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the loading figures in North Bengal, with conflicting reports suggesting both empt stores and a potential load of around 14.80 crore packets based on storage capacity. The official report from the North Bengal traders will be crucial in clarifying this situation.
Furthermore, the possibility of surpassing the 2021 record of approximately 14 crore 48 lakh packets for Bengal’s total potato loading is a significant point of discussion. The actual figures will reveal whether this benchmark has been exceeded.
The potato market dynamics in other states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, also exert a considerable influence on Bengal. While Uttar Pradesh reportedly experienced high loading levels (70-75%), concerns about the quality of their “dump” potatoes might open up opportunities for Bengal potatoes in the national market, provided they can be offered at competitive prices.
Anticipating the high loading levels in Bengal, there is a prevailing expectation that cold storage owners might opt to open their facilities earlier than usual to empty them, potentially impacting market prices and the availability of stored potatoes. This strategic decision by storage owners will be a key factor in shaping the potato market in the coming months.
The 2025 potato loading season in Bengal is a complex interplay of regional variations, influenced by factors ranging from local weather conditions and production to inter-state market dynamics and storage capacity. While district-level reports like the 100% loading achieved in Howrah provide valuable insights, the official report from the West Bengal Progressive Potato Traders Association’s state committee meeting remains the most anticipated source for a comprehensive and reliable assessment of the total potato loading in Bengal for 2025. This report will not only provide the final figures but also offer a clearer understanding of the overall health and future trajectory of the potato market in the region.
