Uttar Pradesh, known for its high potato production, is facing a challenging situation this season as the farmers grapple with a significant drop in potato yields due to adverse weather conditions. The potato production in the state has plummeted by 25 to 30 percent, leading to a surge in prices and concerns among consumers.
Potato traders in Uttar Pradesh have witnessed a 10 percent increase in potato prices, with further escalations anticipated in the near future. The current market prices range between Rs 35 to Rs 40 per kg, reflecting a steep rise compared to the previous year. If the current trend persists, experts warn that potato prices could soar to Rs 50 per kg by July-August.
As traders gradually withdraw potatoes from cold storage to meet domestic demand, the imbalance between supply and demand is exacerbating the price surge. With an estimated 240 lakh tonnes of potatoes produced this season, a decrease from the previous year, the state is bracing for potential price hikes as the new crop arrives.
Cold storage facilities in the Agra division of Uttar Pradesh are under strain as traders cautiously extract potatoes to manage the dwindling supplies. While officials from the Horticulture Department highlight the challenges posed by decreased production, industry experts like Arvind Aggarwal of the Federation of Cold Storage Association of India emphasize the need for stability in potato prices amidst the supply-demand imbalance.
Amidst the fluctuating dynamics of potato production and pricing, the state grapples with the repercussions of climate change on its agricultural landscape.
