In a bid to boost the production of processing-grade potatoes and tomatoes in Bihar, the Cooperative Department has unveiled a comprehensive plan to support farmers affiliated with vegetable producer cooperative societies. This initiative aims to ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality potatoes and tomatoes for food processing units across the state.
With a surge in the number of food processing units in Bihar, the demand for potatoes and tomatoes suitable for processing has witnessed a significant rise. Currently, conventional varieties of these vegetables are cultivated in the region, which do not cater to the specific requirements of processing units. As a result, Bihar relies on imports of potatoes from other states used in products like chips.
The introduction of processing-quality potato and tomato cultivation is set to revolutionize the local agricultural landscape, allowing food processing units to source raw materials domestically. This shift is poised to enhance self-sufficiency and promote the growth of the processing industry in Bihar.
The Cooperative Department plans to impart training to farmers through vegetable producer cooperative societies, which currently operate across the state. These associations have facilitated the formation of 300 block-level vegetable producer cooperative societies in 20 districts, with a total membership of 38,532 vegetable producer farmers. The upcoming training programs seek to equip these farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to cultivate processing-grade potatoes and tomatoes effectively.
In addition to these efforts, Bihar’s agricultural sector is also benefiting from noteworthy potato production achievements. For instance, the state has been able to produce 16 million metric tonnes of potatoes annually, positioning itself as a key player in the global potato market. This substantial output underscores Bihar’s potential to further enhance its agricultural capabilities and contribute significantly to the food processing industry.
