West Bengal Potato Prices Decline, Threatening Future Cultivation Area

1 report, 1 independent Updated 00:00

AI-generated briefing. Brind wrote this from the reports listed below. It can be wrong. Each section says how much you can rely on it, and the sources are linked so you can check.

What happened

Some supportReported by 1 outlet

West Bengal, the country’s second-largest potato grower, recorded a bumper output of around 140 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, leading to high loading in cold storages. Despite this production, truck-loading prices for average varieties like Jyoti potato are currently ₹500 per quintal, which is ₹100 lower than the same period last year. Farmers are earning only ₹150-170 per quintal, a figure below their cost of production, which has led to distress sales and reduced cultivation of early varieties.

From thehindubusinessline.com

Why it matters

Some supportBrind's analysis of the reports

The depressed prices and low profitability are causing farmers to reduce the total area under potato cultivation for the 2026-27 season if prices do not increase next month. These low prices are currently being reflected in wholesale market prices in Kolkata.

From thehindubusinessline.com

Who's involved

West BengalThe state where potato cultivation is occurring and prices are depressed.
KolkataThe market where the prevailing potato prices from West Bengal are being reflected.
Government of West BengalThe state government that may face policy pressure regarding the agricultural crisis.

Who could feel it

Possible knock-on effects

These are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.

KolkataSpeculative
Kolkata might see market price transmission of depressed potato prices in wholesale markets.
CentreSpeculative
The Centre may be involved in potential central government intervention or subsidy funding to address the crisis.

Coverage

Newest first; wire copies grouped

00:00thehindubusinessline.com