NEW DELHI, Mar 10: Potato production is estimated to jump by 7 per cent to 42.47 million tonnes this year on increased crop output in Madhya Pradesh.
Potato production stood at 41.48 million tonnes (MT) in 2011-12 crop year (July-June).
Much of the production increase is seen in major growing states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
According to the Agriculture Ministry’s first estimate, production in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s largest potato producer, is estimated to increase to 14.69 MT in 2012-13 from 14.12 MT in the year-ago period.
West Bengal is estimated to harvest 9.69 MT of potato, Bihar (6.3 MT), Gujarat (2.39 MT and Punjab (2.12 MT) this year, according to the estimate.
Production in West Bengal and Gujarat is expected remain at last year’s level. There would be a marginal jump in the output in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Punjab in 2012-13.
The Centre implements market intervention scheme upon receipt of proposals from the state governments to procure farm items, including potato. Under this scheme, in case of any losses, the same are shared between the centre and states on a 50:50 basis. (PTI)
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