Gujarat is poised for a significant increase in potato production this year, thanks to extensive cultivation and favorable weather conditions. Trade estimates suggest that the state is likely to produce a staggering six and a half to seven crore ‘katta’ of potatoes, leading to expectations of stable prices for consumers.
According to sources, the robust potato yield is attributed to increased acreage under cultivation. Farmers were encouraged by the remunerative prices received for their produce in the past two years, prompting them to expand potato farming. This surge in cultivation, coupled with supportive weather, has resulted in a promising outlook for the current potato season.
The new potato crop is estimated to be between 6.5 to 7 crore ‘katta’, a substantial rise compared to the previous year’s production of 5.5 to 6 crore ‘katta’. This 15% increase in production is expected to keep potato prices under control, benefiting both households and the processing industry. Industry insiders anticipate that cold storages across Gujarat are likely to reach full capacity this year due to the abundant harvest.
Currently, the wholesale price of new potatoes is ranging from ₹9 to ₹10 per kilogram in the market. Retail consumers are purchasing potatoes at ₹15 to ₹25 per kilogram. Retail demand is currently healthy, boosted by the onset of warmer weather which traditionally increases the consumption of potatoes for making ‘patri’ (thin potato wafers) and chips in households. High-quality potatoes are also entering the market, further contributing to consumer satisfaction.
A wholesale trader from Deesa mentioned that due to the high production, potato prices are expected to remain stable until April-May. While a slight increase of ₹4 to ₹5 per kilogram in the wholesale market is possible after that period, a major price surge is not anticipated.
In Rajkot market, potato arrivals have been substantial, reaching 24,125 ‘man’. Wholesale prices in the Rajkot yard are currently fluctuating between ₹7 to ₹13 per ‘man’. Market arrivals have now stabilized, and prices are also holding steady. Despite the absence of a sharp price increase this year, cold storage owners are optimistic about receiving good returns on their investments due to the sheer volume of potatoes being stored.
Cold storage owners have marginally increased their charges by 10 paisa per kilogram this year. The cost to store potatoes until August is ₹2.30 per kilogram, while storing them until December costs ₹2.70 per kilogram. Cold storages are already half-filled, and projections indicate they will be completely filled by the end of March.
This year’s planting season witnessed a demand for 1 crore 5 lakh packets of potato seeds, compared to 90-95 lakh packets in the previous year, highlighting the significant expansion in potato cultivation. With the potato season half over, the focus has now shifted to storing the harvested crop in cold storages. The overall sentiment in the potato market is one of abundance and stability, ensuring consistent supply and reasonable prices for consumers in the coming months.
