Untimely rain in last November had affected potato production in Bengal in such a manner that the crop’s price is likely to be high in the current year, a source in the agriculture department said.

“Because of untimely rain in November last year, 80 lakh to 85 lakh tons of potato would be produced in Bengal this year against an average annual production of 100 lakh tons. The lesser production would make the crop costly this year,” said a senior agriculture department official.

According to sources, harvesting of potatoes has just started in Bengal and the entire picture will be clear over the next two-three weeks.

Officials said as there was a scarcity because of the less production, the farmers were selling their produce at Rs 16 to Rs 18 a kg from their fields.

“This means the produce will be available in the market at about Rs 27 to Rs 30 a kg if storage and transportation costs are added.… Potatoes were available under Rs 20 a kg throughout last year,” said an official.

As the lower production is expected to push up prices purely because of demand and supply mismatch, it is likely to help farmers in better price realisation from the crop.

“As good quality seeds which were sown in November were damaged, the farmers had to rely on old and inferior quality seeds when they sowed potatoes again. That is why the production will be less but it has come as a blessing in disguise for the farmers as they are likely to recover a part of their loss,” said a potato trader.

The lower production will also help the state government as it will not have to spend on subsidies for farmers.

“The state had given various subsidies to potato farmers whenever a bumper production took place. This year, the government will not have to intervene to help the farmers, which means a savings of around Rs 500 crore,” said a source.

It has been observed in Bengal for years that whenever there is a surplus production of potatoes, it creates trouble for the ruling establishment. That is why the party in power always tries to help the farmers in case of surplus production.

The Left Front had started buying surplus potato from the farmers to ensure that they didn’t face the wrath of farmers as they hold the key to electoral outcomes in districts like Hooghly, East Burdwan, Murshidabad, Nadia and Birbhum.

The tradition is being followed after the Trinamul Congress came to power, too.

“This has always put an additional burden on the state exchequer. This year, the state will not have to take the additional burden. This comes as a relief to the state as it is already struggling to manage expenses after several welfare schemes have been launched,” said a source.

As farmers are getting good prices for their produce, the ruling party will be in a comfortable position ahead of next year’s panchayat polls, said a source.