Farmers in Cooch Behar threw potatoes in protest demanding fair price, blocks NH17

Potato farming is one of the major sources of livelihood for farmers in many parts of India. However, despite the hard work and dedication put into growing potatoes, many farmers are still struggling to make ends meet due to several factors beyond their control.

In the Cooch Behar-2 block, potato farmers have been protesting for fair prices for their products and not receiving bonds for keeping them in cold storage. The situation has become so dire that the farmers were forced to take to the streets, throwing their produce on National Highway-17 in front of North Bengal Agricultural University, Pundibari.

After that, the officials of the local police and administration went and talked to the potato farmers for a long time. After which the potato farmers ended their protest. Potato farmers said that they are not getting any reasonable prices for potatoes this year. Potato prices have come down by two and a half to three rupees.

This protest highlights the deep-rooted issues plaguing the agriculture sector in India, particularly the lack of support and infrastructure for farmers. Despite being the backbone of the Indian economy, farmers face a range of problems, from rising input costs to low market prices for their produce.

The potato farmers in the Cooch Behar-2 block are facing huge economic losses due to the sharp decline in potato prices this year. Many of them have invested all their resources into cultivating their crops but are now struggling to even recoup their costs. The cost of keeping potatoes in cold storage has also increased considerably, making it harder for farmers to make a profit.