Punjab hits record potato production with strong seed demand

Potato cultivation in Punjab, India, has reached a record production level, with the region reporting its highest-ever yield amid favorable market dynamics.

Despite a minimal expansion in cultivated land, the state has experienced a boost in potato output. The Horticulture Department's data indicates that Punjab produced approximately 3.31 million tons of potatoes this year, marking an increase from the previous year's 3.25 million tons and 3.16 million tons in 2022. The cultivated area expanded slightly to 296,500 acres in 2024 from 289,300 acres last year and 281,600 acres in 2022. Experts credit the productivity increase to the adoption of high-quality seed varieties that enhance cultivation practices. The productivity per hectare remains consistent with previous years at around 27.60 tons.

Jalandhar district leads with approximately 25,980 hectares under potato cultivation, followed by Ludhiana and Hoshiarpur with around 18,010 hectares each. Kapurthala and Bathinda follow with about 11,000 hectares and 5,990 hectares, respectively. Historically confined to the Doaba region, potato farming has now spread to various districts across Punjab.

Approximately 60-61% of Punjab's potato output, or about 2 million tons, is allocated for seed potatoes, which are crucial for sustaining the sector's growth. These seed potatoes are in demand nationwide, with farmers in states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra depending on Punjab's tubers. Proper storage and maintenance of tuber sizes are essential practices for maintaining quality.

Punjab's self-consumption stands at around 700,000 tons, with the surplus distributed to other Indian states and exported to Bangladesh and Nepal. The state's potato varieties, such as Kufri Jyoti and Pukhraj, are prominent in the market. The region's cold storage facilities, with a capacity of approximately 2.97 million tons, support large-scale production.

This season, table potatoes are priced at $0.13 to $0.15 per kg, and seed potatoes range from $0.22 to $0.49 per kg, depending on the variety. Harvesting occurs from February to March, with unique practices like early harvesting in Hoshiarpur for 'kutchi putai' potatoes, which are sought after in Delhi markets. The consistent production growth since 2021-22, surpassing 3 million tons annually, reflects improved farming techniques and favorable market conditions.