In the heart of the sugar belt, Meerut witnesses a notable shift as farmers are increasingly turning to potato cultivation, marking a significant trend in agricultural practices.
Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its potato production, stands tall as the leading state in the country for this crop. The sugarcane belt, traditionally dominant in the region, is now witnessing a rapid integration of potato farming, with more and more sugarcane growers venturing into this sector.
The conducive soil quality and climate conditions, coupled with the relatively short cultivation period of potatoes, have fueled this agricultural transformation. Data from the district horticulture department reveals a remarkable expansion in potato farming land, escalating from a modest 2,000 to 3,000 hectares to a substantial 8,000 hectares.
Potato crops boast a quick maturation period of 80 to 100 days, enticing sugarcane farmers with their swift turnaround and favorable market prices. In fact, some prominent farmers in the area have started favoring potato cultivation over sugarcane due to its benefits.
Arun Kumar, the District Horticulture Officer, remarked, “Meerut, historically known for its sugarcane dominance, is now witnessing a notable surge in potato cultivation. The total potato farming area has now reached 8,000 hectares, reflecting the growing interest among farmers driven by lucrative prices and high-yielding potato varieties.”
