Potato Price Plunge Pressures Farmers; Union Demands Action

A significant drop in potato prices has severely impacted farmers in the region, prompting the BKU (Charuni) to urge the state government to intervene. Farmers have struggled to receive fair prices for their crops, leading to escalating financial losses. The union has warned that failure to address these issues could result in protests.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Gurnam Singh, the chief of BKU (Charuni), highlighted the dire situation facing potato growers. According to Singh, the price of white-skin potatoes has fallen dramatically, with farmers currently receiving between Rs 180 and Rs 480 per quintal. This is significantly below the cost of production, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among growers.

The red-skin potato, in contrast, has seen prices between Rs 500 and Rs 775 per quintal. Singh noted that these varieties are more lucrative, akin to the premium prices commanded by basmati rice. He emphasized the need for the government to reassess its pricing strategy under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana (BBY), which compensates farmers if market prices fall below guaranteed levels. Currently, the secured price for potatoes stands at Rs 600 per quintal.

Singh described the situation as a “grave injustice,” calling for the secured price to be increased to Rs 800 per quintal. He also requested that the verification of crop registrations on the MFMB portal be expedited and that separate price averages be established for red and white potato varieties. He asserted that price difference compensation should reflect actual market selling prices.

Union spokesman and potato farmer Rakesh Bains added that the combination of low prices, crop diseases, and rising costs for labor, storage, and transportation has left farmers in a precarious position. He warned that without immediate government intervention, the situation could worsen, leading to substantial losses for farmers, for which the government would bear responsibility.

The BKU (Charuni) is prepared to escalate its actions if no resolution is reached. As tensions rise, farmers are looking to the local government for support to secure fair compensation and safeguard their livelihoods. The ongoing crisis underscores the challenges faced by agricultural producers amid fluctuating market conditions and rising production costs.