Assam aims to be self-sufficient in potato output by 2019-20

Assam government today said the state is targeting to become a self-sufficient in potato production by 2019-20, the Assembly was informed today.
Replying to a query by BJP MLA Ranjit Kumar Das, Agriculture Minister Rockybul Hussain said Assam requires about 40 lakh tonnes of potato every year.
However, the production in the state stood at 11 lakh tonnes and 17 tonnes in 2013-14 and 2014-15 respectively, the Minister added.
Assam is currently importing 20-25 lakh tonnes of potato from other states.
"Steps are being taken to increase output of potato by producing proven seeds. Accordingly, our state should be self-sufficient in potato production by 2019-20," Hussain said.

He said the government has been importing potato seeds also for distribution of these among the farmers.

"For proper timely distribution of seeds, we are making a crop calender to list the details such as which month is best for a particular crop or vegetable. As far as potato is concerned, October 1-15 is the best time to distribute seeds to farmers," Hussain said.
The seeds of Jalandhar are stated to best and Assam government is trying to sign an MoU with companies to procure these in advance, he added.
"We will then keep these in cold storages here. We will also sign an MoU with private cold storage operators in the state," Hussain said.

The Minister further said the government will undertake a survey to find out the ways to strengthen marketing of potatoes in the state.
Earlier raising the issue, Das said huge money is spent in procuring potatoes and seeds but are wasted due to lack of cold storages in the state.
Hussain said the main reasons for the cold storages not getting successful in Assam are irregular electricity supply and lack of profitability in running generator sets for a long period of time.