With potato output less than last year, prices are higher, say traders

With potato output less than last year, prices are higher, say traders. Wholesale prices in West Bengal are around Rs 1,000 a quintal, against Rs 400-450 a quintal last year. The state is the second largest producer of potato, after Uttar Pradesh. Production in UP is down by 20 per cent, said Ajit Shah, a wholesale dealer; prices are around Rs 1,300 a quintal. “The season for potato cultivation is over and all the demand will be met from cold storages,” said Shah.

Bengal's production is around nine million tonnes, against about 11 mt last year. Total production in the country is 40-45 mt in a year.