Bengal potato output seen at 13.8 mn tons; blight a threat

Bumper potato production is expected in the current year in West Bengal with the tuber yield likely to touch 13.8 million tonne, though late blight could be a threat.
Agriculture Minister Purnendu Basu said he is optimistic that potato production in the state will be around 13.8 million tonnes.
Last year, the production was 12 million tonnes.
But, due to unfavourable climatic conditions, there are some reports of late blight disease, Basu said.
Cold Storage Association, however, said so far there are no worrying reports on late blight.
Basu said 'Krishi Bhavan' will be constructed at Salt Lake to bring all department offices under one roof for operational efficiency.

He did not divulge details of the project.