West Bengal potato farmers facing seed potato supply challenges

Just before the farming season, to begin immediately after Monsoon, potato farmers in West Bengal are now exposed to a critical scenario of seed potato. West Bengal contributes around 32% to India's total potato yield. "Officially, WB State Seed Corporation plays the role of seed trading in state.

But, lion's share of farmers is practically dependent on unorganized import of seed,"said Prof. A. Chowdhury DEAN, North Bengal Agriculture University.

"Replacing the previously preferred seed varieties from Punjab or HP, now varieties from Bhutan are in high demand mainly because of less logistic hassle in importing them,"he added.

Indo-Bhutan border is just within 100 km from Jalpaiguri and Cochbehar districts those contribute around 30% to West Bengal's 13.5 Million ton annual production. But, "Developing a critical situation, now supply of Bhutan seed has also become erratic. Too dependent on that, we will be in deep trouble unless quality seed does not reach here in adequate quantity before the sowing season opens in October. Now we cannot shift to Punjab or HP seeds overnight as our entire farming practice has become tuned to Bhutan seeds,"said Mr. D. Mondal, a potato farmer from Dhupguri.