Seed potatoes lose attraction in Lahaul-Spiti

As seed potato cultivation failed to fetch good price to the farmers in tribal Lahaul-Spiti, even after putting lot of hard work right from sowing to its selling, tribals have switched over to crop diversification, especially hybrid vegetable varieties which were much in demand in the plains. Due to this, Asia's two best varieties of potato seeds - Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Chandramukhi - produced in cold deserts of Lahaul-Spiti have lost its magic in the valley.

Situated at height above 10,000 feet, the dry and cold land of Lahaul-Spiti is suitable for potato seed, which is resistant to germs and fungus. Potato farming has strengthened the economy of thousands of tribals. But now they are not happy with prices.

Farmers in Lahaul change crops every year to maintain the quality of land and cultivate potato and peas one by one. Their livelihood is totally dependent on these crops. After having good results of experiments with cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, more farmers are expected to adopt vegetable farming next year which will largely hit the potato production.

Lahaul potato growers' cooperative, marketing-cum-processing society (LPS) managing director Amar Dogra said, both varieties of potato seeds cultivated in valley is not able to meet the basic requirements of Indian farmers, due to diversification in agriculture. "Lahaul had produced 1.5 lakh bags in 2009 which was reduced to 1 lakh in 2010. As more than 10 per cent farmers are not growing potato this year, the production may fall substantially,"he added.