Archive · 26 Jul 2025
West Bengal Cold Storage Owners Worry Over Potato Prices
Imagine potato farmers in West Bengal.
Because the government stopped them from selling potatoes to other states last year, they have too many potatoes stored.
Now the price they get for their potatoes is very low, like Rs 5-6 per kg.
This is because there is a lot of supply and not enough demand.
The farmers want to sell their potatoes but can barely make any money.
The government officials say it is not their fault.
West Bengal cold storage owners express concern over low potato prices.
The price drop is due to a surplus stock from an interstate trade ban.
Farmers are selling potatoes at Rs 5/6 per kg while retailers sell them at Rs 20-24 per kg.
Cold storage owners cite the government's failure to procure potatoes for mid-day meals.
Government officials accuse cold storage owners of blaming the government.
- Who
- Farmers, cold storage owners, and government officials.
- What
- Low potato prices impacting farmers and cold storage owners in West Bengal.
- When
- Recently, following the previous year's interstate trade ban.
- Where
- West Bengal, India.
- Why
- Due to a surplus of potatoes and a disrupted supply-demand balance.
Cold Storage Owners/Farmers
Government Officials
Responsibility for Price Drop
Cold Storage Owners/Farmers
Blame the government's interstate trade ban for surplus stock and low prices.
Government Officials
Government officials deny responsibility, attributing low prices to higher production in other states and accusing storage owners of creating issues.
Proposed Solutions
Cold Storage Owners/Farmers
Demand subsidies for transporting potatoes to other states and procurement for mid-day meals.
Government Officials
Government officials allege a section of cold storage owners and traders are attempting to create trouble for the government.
- Potato Production
- 100-120 lakh metric tons annually
- Stored Potatoes
- 91% cold storage capacity occupied
- Farmer Sale Price
- Rs 5/6 per kg
- Retail Price
- Rs 20-24 per kg