The landscape of potato cultivation in Gujarat’s Charotar region has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in the districts of Anand and Kheda. While this area has historically been the second-largest potato-producing region after Deesa Panthak in North Gujarat, recent years have witnessed contrasting trends in these neighboring districts.
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Current Production Patterns
Kheda district has surpassed Anand’s three-year potato production in just one year. While Anand farmers produced 1.19 lakh metric tons over three years, Kheda farmers achieved 1.35 lakh metric tons in a single year. The highest demand comes from Chaklasi in Kheda district.
Production Statistics and Trends
| Year | Anand Production (MT) | Anand Area (Ha) | Kheda Area (Ha) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 45,504 | 1,440 | 4,784 |
| 2023 | 37,417 | 1,315 | 4,920 |
| 2024 | 37,009 | 1,328 | 4,963 |
Factors Behind the Shift
Several factors have contributed to the declining potato cultivation in Anand:
- Persistent pest problems causing crop damage
- Lower frequency of income compared to alternative crops like bananas
- Reduced yield rates
Meanwhile, Kheda’s success can be attributed to:
- Higher yields through advanced farming methods
- Direct partnerships with companies ensuring better returns
- Sustained high demand maintaining profitable prices even post-season
The current cultivation area spans 6,291 hectares across both districts, with Kheda showing a steady increase while Anand’s farmers increasingly pivot to banana cultivation, attracted by its more frequent income potential of 3-4 harvests per year compared to potatoes’ single harvest every three months.
This shift represents a significant change from a decade ago when these districts collectively cultivated potatoes across 10,000 hectares. The combination of price fluctuations, pest challenges, and emerging alternatives has reshaped the agricultural landscape of these traditionally potato-growing regions.
