Loading of potatoes in West Bengal cold storages has risen by 14 percent, reaching 74 lakh tonnes, as the state’s production for the 2025-26 season surpassed 140 lakh tonnes, marking its highest yield in five years. Last year, the total potato production in Bengal, which is the second-largest producer in India, was about 115 lakh tonnes, also considered a strong output.
“Total potato production for the state crossed 140 lakh tonnes this year, supported by favorable weather in the potato-growing regions. Additionally, the area under cultivation has increased slightly,” said Patit Paban De, a senior member of the West Bengal Cold Storage Association.
With this record increase in potato production, the loading in cold storages surged from 65 lakh tonnes last year to 74 lakh tonnes this year. “Over 95 percent of the storages are already at capacity. This year, most farmers have loaded their produce, while traders have exhibited limited interest due to substantial financial losses they faced last year,” added De.
Crash in Prices
In the previous year, wholesale potato prices in Bengal plummeted as farmers resorted to distress sales due to excessive stocks left in cold storage, resulting from a significant drop in inter-state trade. West Bengal lost much of its market share in states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar to Uttar Pradesh, which has been aggressively expanding its inter-state trade to capture those markets.
Industry insiders noted that Uttar Pradesh capitalized on opportunities in 2024 when the then-Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal imposed a ban on the inter-state trade of potatoes after prices surged significantly in the state.
All Curbs Lifted
The state government eventually lifted the ban following agitation from potato growers and traders who cited major financial losses. The new BJP government in West Bengal has removed all restrictions on the interstate movement of potatoes, onions, fruits, vegetables, oil seeds, food grains, and other essential items. Prior to last month’s Assembly elections, the BJP had made promises to farmers regarding the removal of these restrictions.
West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh stated, “This time, potato production has been higher, leading to lower prices. The Mamata Banerjee government had prevented the sale of potatoes outside Bengal. Our Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that potatoes will be sold everywhere. We want farmers to receive fair prices. Discussions are ongoing.”
Published on May 15, 2026.
