Potato farmers struggle as middlemen control prices, forced to sell at ₹6–₹7/kg

Farmers in West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district are incurring heavy losses as they are being forced to sell potatoes stored in cold storages at just ₹6–₹7 per kilogram. Many farmers had stored their produce expecting higher prices later in the year, but the current market situation has disrupted those plans. The income from potato sales is critical for funding paddy cultivation, which includes expenses such as fertilizer, labor, and irrigation.

According to several farmers, the selling price from cold storage is even lower than what they could have received if they had sold their produce directly after harvesting. Sheikh Mohammad Yusuf, a farmer from Bohar, said, “Middlemen are making huge profits from potato sales. In the open market, potatoes are selling for ₹17–₹19 per kg, and even more in some places. Yet, farmers are unable to get even ₹10 per kg.”

Farmers also stated that the ongoing situation may affect future crop planning. Debprasad Karmakar, a farmer from Kanpur village in Memari-2 block, said that although prices in the open market have not fallen, farmers are not receiving fair rates. He mentioned that if this trend continues, farmers will not be able to recover even the cost of cultivation. He also said, “The prices may rise after the festive season, but by then, small farmers won’t have any stock left.”

According to agriculture department sources, the previous season saw good potato production in every block of Purba Bardhaman, although a few panchayats suffered losses due to rain. Farmers affected by rain damage reportedly received insurance payouts. Many small farmers, expecting better returns, stored their produce in cold storage. However, with falling paddy prices and limited outreach by the food department in remote areas, they are now being forced to sell their stored potatoes at low rates.

District Zilla Parishad chairman Shyamaprasanna Lohar said there should not be such a large difference in prices. He stated, “When consumers are paying more, farmers should also get a better share.” Traders have argued that the difference in price arises from sorting processes, where small or lower-grade potatoes fetch lower prices, while only high-quality, sorted potatoes can be sold at premium rates. They added that farmers could potentially get better prices if they sort and grade their stock before selling.