The Mamata Banerjee government will procure 1 mln tons of potatoes from farmers through cold storages so that they don’t go for distress now that experts forecast a bumper harvest. Sources said the government’s move is significant as it attempts to woo nearly 15 lakh potato farmers across Bengal before the forthcoming panchayat polls amid fears that a large number of them may be forced to sell the produce at lower prices.
Around 9 mln tons of potatoes are harvested in Bengal annually, and districts like Hooghly, East Burdwan, Bankura, and Murshidabad in south Bengal and North Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri in north Bengal are considered prime producers.
Source: telegraphindia.com
