Adverse weather conditions in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, key potato-producing states in India, have significantly reduced the 2023-24 potato output. Unfavourable weather, including cold conditions in Uttar Pradesh and unseasonal rains in West Bengal, has led to decreased yields, with a notable decline from 15 tons to 11.5 tons per acre in Uttar Pradesh. As a result, these states, contributing over 53% of the nation’s potato production, have experienced a 10% reduction in output.
The agriculture ministry’s first advance estimate reports a slight drop in national potato production to 58.88 million tons, down from 60.14 million tons last year. Consequently, retail potato prices have surged to around Rs 22/kg, a significant increase from Rs 13/kg a year ago, with a 50% rise in the past three months. Cold storage facilities in these states also report lower volumes, indicating tighter supplies until the new crop arrives.