Uncertainty remains over meeting the potato cultivation target set for Cuttack district, India, as growers continue to show limited interest in expanding production despite state incentives. Of the 14 blocks in the district, potato cultivation is concentrated in Salepur, Mahanga, Nischintakoili, Cuttack Sadar, Banki, Athagarh, Kantapada, and Niali, where sandy soils favour the crop. In 2012–2013, the district ranked first in production, contributing 22.86 per cent of Odisha's output, with 2,910 hectares planted. However, the planted area has declined due to the absence of functional cold storage, unfavourable weather, and crop losses linked to wild animals. Last year, a target of 575 hectares resulted in only about 438 hectares planted.
For the current season, the horticulture directorate has set a target of 800 acres, equal to 324 hectares, and is supplying high-yielding seed at subsidised rates to encourage planting. Even so, growers remain reluctant. Potato planting usually begins in the last week of November after kharif paddy harvest, with a crop cycle of 100 to 120 days. This year, delayed paddy sowing has pushed harvest into December, raising concerns that late planting will coincide with warmer conditions by mid-February, which farmers say could hinder tuberisation. Growers also point to the lack of operational cold stores as a barrier, noting they would be forced to sell fresh potatoes at low prices. Cold storage facilities in Bahugram, 42 Mouza, Nisthipur, Lakheswar, and Athagarh remain non-operational.
Deputy director of horticulture, Cuttack, Sandul Rama Rao, said seed distribution is underway. "We have procured the high-yielding seeds at Rs. 42.27 per kg (US$0.51) and are giving them to farmers at Rs. 20 per kg (US$0.24). Further, farmers can also get a Rs. 10 per kg (US$0.12) refund into their bank accounts after submitting the GPS photo of their cultivated land at their respective block offices," he said.
Source: The New Indian Express
