Potato prices plummet with heavy arrival from WB

Bumper yield of potatoes in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh has turned out to be a boon for consumers of Srikakulam, with arrival of heavy loads from the States to the markets here, resulting in plummeting of prices.

Retail price of potatoes has come down to Rs.10 a kg from Rs. 20. The prices reached up to Rs. 35 per kg as the production here saw a downward trend in November and December, burning holes in the pockets of the consumers.

Trader say with the record production of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes this season in West Bengal, potato price is hovering around Rs. 4 per kg in the wholesale market there. Heavy loads of potatoes from that State is reaching the markets here everyday.

“Sale of potatoes has gone up significantly in the current marriage season. Hotels are also buying the vegetable in huge quantities for its availability at low prices,” said M. Sankara Rao, a trader from Srikakulam.

Other vegetables are also available at affordable rates, despite the fall in the arrivals in summer season.

Brinjal, tomato, onion are priced at Rs. 20 per kg in Pottisriramulu market. Cabbage, bitter gourds are available at Rs.40 per kg at OBS market and the Rythu Bazaars here.

According to market sources, the prices will remain stable throughout the year, if vegetable cultivation gets encouragement from the government. Now, vegetables are grown in less than 3,000 hectares in the district.

“Marketing remains a major concern , since we are selling vegetables almost at half of the prices when compared to that of markets. We fail to achieve operational break-even such as transport charges,” said B. Appala Naidu, a ryot from Etcherla mandal.

Retail price of potatoes has come down to Rs.10 a kg from Rs. 20 in Srikakulam markets