Due to low prices of potatoes and expensive government seeds in Agra, farmers are holding back from buying seeds for new sowing. So far only 190 applications have been received and about 2,000 quintals of seeds are left for booking in the district.
Agra: Continuously weak prices of potatoes have increased the concern of farmers in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh. Farmers, who have been facing recession for the last two years, are now avoiding even purchasing expensive government seeds. Out of 4,716 quintals of seeds allotted in the district, about 2,000 quintals are still left for booking. Despite government grants, farmers have to raise huge amounts of money to prepare for the next crop.
Decline in booking of government seeds due to low prices
Preparing for the new crop has become a challenge for the farmers cultivating potatoes in Agra district this time. Farmers, who have been facing financial pressure due to low prices of potatoes for the last two years, are now retreating from buying government seeds. Its effect is clearly visible on seed booking.
Applications for government potato seeds started from September, but till now only 190 applications have been received. In previous years, about 2,000 to 2,500 farmers used to apply for government seeds. This time the decline in demand has increased the concern of the department related to seed distribution.
A total of 4,716 quintals of government potato seeds have been allotted to Agra district. Out of this, about 2,000 quintals of seeds are still available for booking. If current trends continue, it may be difficult to sell the entire consignment.
Problems increased due to low prices of potatoes and high prices of seeds
Fall in potato prices remains the biggest problem for farmers. Last year, potatoes were sown in about 85 thousand hectare area in the district and the yield was also good. But farmers could not get satisfactory prices in the market throughout the season. This affected the earnings of many farmers and the debt pressure on some also increased.
At present the price of over size potato is said to be around Rs 500 to Rs 800 per quintal. At the same time, it is becoming difficult for farmers to pay rent for cold stores by selling small grade potatoes like Gulla and Kirri.
On the other hand, the price of government seeds ranges from Rs 2,980 to Rs 3,630 per quintal. In such a situation, the problem faced by the farmers is that the amount they get from selling potatoes to raise capital for the next crop is much less than the cost of new seeds.
Despite the government giving a subsidy of Rs 1,000 per quintal, farmers have to raise enough money to buy seeds. For this reason many farmers are currently avoiding new purchases.
Farmers preparing to use old seeds
Farmers say that considering the current market price, there is a risk in buying expensive seeds. According to Khandauli farmer Sanjeev Kumar, buying expensive seeds at the current prices of potatoes can prove to be a loss-making deal. He demanded that the government should fix the price of seeds keeping in mind the market situation and give additional relaxation to the farmers.
Baman farmer Jitendra Kumar also said that this time the condition of potatoes is worse than in previous years. Low prices have made it difficult for farmers to invest in the next crop. In such a situation, some farmers are preparing for sowing with the help of old seeds.
Different prices are fixed for different categories of seeds
The price of government potato seeds varies according to its category and size. According to the available information, the price of based first grade seed size seed is Rs 3,630 per quintal and the price of over size seed is Rs 3,040 per quintal. Based on second category, seed size seed is fixed at Rs 3,480 and over size seed is fixed at Rs 2,980 per quintal.
Caught between low potato prices and seed costs, farmers are finding it difficult to plan for the next crop. Now their eyes are on whether the price of potatoes improves in the market or the government gives any relief regarding the price of seeds and subsidy.