Russia threatens to restrict potato import from India

At a time when potato farmers in India are dumping potato at prices which are half the average cost of production, Russia’s threat to impose temporary restrictions on import might increase supply in the domestic market, aggravating farmers’ plight. Russia’s move comes after finding ‘brown rot agent’ in Indian potatoes.

Data compiled by Agmarket, which comes under the agriculture ministry, showed the price at Rs 2.5 a kg in Ambala (Haryana), Rs 3.1 a kg in Agra and Rs 2.75 a kg in Siliguri (West Bengal). In all these markets, farmers’ realisation stands at sharply lower than the average cost of production of Rs 4 a kg.

In some markets, however, potato is quoted at higher than the cost of production. It also depends on the proximity of the wholesale markets from producing centres.

Exporters received a major jolt on April 3, when Russian sanitary and phytosanitary authority Rosselkhoznadzor threatened to impose temporary restrictions on import of Indian potatoes. In a communique, Rosselkhoznadzor informed Indian authorities including Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) and the Ministry of Agriculture, "There were nine cases of in 2011 and 23 cases in 2014 when 'brown rot agent' was detected in plant products imported from India. The repeated cases of quarantine object detection are indicative of the fact that measures taken by the Indian Ministry of Agriculture to ensure phytosanitary safety of plant products exported to Russia are not effective enough. We reserve the right to impose temporary restrictions on import of Indian potatoes."

While the exact quantity of potato exports to Russia was not immediately known, the restrictions, if any, would have significant impact.

"'Brown rot agent' could be detected in just two-three potatoes a tonne. The issue could be addressed at seed stage for which we are working with Central Potato Research Institute which will take some time," said Santosh Sarangi, chairman, Apeda.