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| Potato yield likely to go down in Punjab |
| Vijay C Roy / New Delhi/ Chandigarh Nov 18, 2009, 00:35 IST |
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The per hectare yield of potato is likely to be affected by 5-10 per cent in Punjab, mainly due to prolonged heat and late kharif season. However, the area under potato cultivation would be slightly more or less same this year as compared to 81,082 hectares last year, according to the experts.
According to agriculturists, last year the yield was pretty good, as the weather was conducive for potato crop, but this year productivity would be affected. Last year potato was sown over 81,082 hectares in Punjab and per hectare yield was 24.68 metric tonnes (MT) per hectare. Further, overall the production was 2,001,104 MT. Also, due to record production last year, the state witnessed glut of potato with the produce seen dumped on roadsides and the growers also contemplating to reduce the area under its cultivation. And wheat and paddy crop, with an assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) and no marketing hassles, are going to be their natural choice.
Speaking to Business Standard, Director, Technico Agri Sciences Limited Sachid Madan said, “Last year, there was ideal weather condition for potato crop, so the yield was pretty good. So far this year is concerned, the crop has been delayed by 15-20 days due to late Kharif season. Also, the prolong heat is likely to affect the per hectare yield. Both the factors are likely to affect the yield by 5-10 per cent in the state.” At present, Technico Agri Sciences is working with 800-odd farmers in Punjab for potato crop with 5,000 acres under contract farming.
According to the state agriculture department, over 81,082 hectares are under potato cultivation this year. The main potato growing areas are Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Kapurthla, Bathinda, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Moga.
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