In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape the agricultural landscape of India’s most populous state, the Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to bolster potato production. At the heart of this initiative lies a significant reduction in potato seed prices, a decision that has sent ripples of optimism through the farming community.
The 2024-25 fiscal year heralds a new era for potato cultivation in Uttar Pradesh. With a sweeping reduction of 500 rupees per quintal in seed prices, the government has sown the seeds of change in the fertile soils of the state. This price cut isn’t just a number on paper; it’s a lifeline for countless farmers who have long grappled with the high costs of quality seeds.
Dinesh Pratap Singh, the state’s Minister of Horticulture, Agriculture Foreign Trade, and Agricultural Exports, announced the new rates with palpable enthusiasm. The pricing structure reads like a menu of hope for farmers:
- Foundation First potato: 2,995 rupees per quintal
- Foundation Second potato: 2,595 rupees per quintal
- Oversize (Foundation First): 2,270 rupees per quintal
- Oversize (Foundation Second): 2,210 rupees per quintal
These rates, applicable to both white and red potato varieties, promise to make quality seeds accessible to farmers across the state.
But the government’s vision extends far beyond mere price reductions. With an ambitious target to cultivate potatoes on approximately 6.96 lakh hectares of land in year 2024-25, the state is gearing up for a potato revolution. The Horticulture Department’s plan to distribute 40-45 thousand quintals of foundation-grade potato seeds is not just a distribution exercise; it’s a strategic move to empower farmers to become seed producers themselves, addressing the perennial issue of seed shortage in the state.
The variety in potato seeds being offered is as diverse as the state itself. From Kufri Bahar to Kufri Badshah, the list of available varieties reads like a who’s who of potato cultivars. Each variety, carefully selected and nurtured, holds the promise of bountiful harvests and improved livelihoods.
In a masterstroke of policy, the government has also introduced a subsidy of 25,000 rupees per hectare for bagging and tagging of potato seeds for processing varieties. This additional support, focusing on varieties like Kufri Chipsona and Kufri Frysona, is set to give a significant boost to the processed food industry in the state.
As the sun sets on the old ways of potato farming in Uttar Pradesh, it rises on a new era of agricultural prosperity. This comprehensive approach by the state government is more than just a policy change; it’s a commitment to the farmers, a boost to food security, and a step towards a more prosperous Uttar Pradesh.
