Potato growers in distress

Potato is a major horticulture crop next to tomato. Many farmers in the district had opted for potato cultivation as it brought the growers good profit. But to their utter dismay, 50 kg potato is being sold for Rs 350.

Inclement weather

Kotiganahalli farmer P Balakrishnappa, says rise in price of fertiliser, overall cost of cultivation, transportation and even the wages for the workers who unload the produce at the market are far higher than the returns. 50kg of potato seed which was purchased for Rs 2000 has been cultivated. Huge amount has been spent on purchase of fertiliser both organic and chemical. But inclement weather has reduced the yield.

Potato during the cultivation time was sold at Rs 20 to 22 per kg. The dorp in the price has smashed the hopes of good profit. The growers may find it difficult to recover the cost of inputs if there no let up in the prevailing situation.

Farmers are hoping at least to recover the cost of fertilisers and pesticide spray, labour and various other costs, including transportation to the market and wages for unloading.
Depletion in ground water table, irregular power supply, have added to the woes of the
farmers.