Late Blight expected to affect potato yield in West Bengal

Potato production in West Bengal is likely to be lower by 10-15 per cent on ‘late blight’ in a quarter of the growing districts.

Prices, down after a rise in November-December, have gone up Rs 50-75 a quintal in recent few days.

“The disease has spread to 25 per cent of the growing area. This could bring down the yield 10-15 per cent,” said Patit Paban De, member, West Bengal Cold Storage Association.

The state produces 10 million tonnes a year. Only 5.5 million are domestically consumed. It ranks second in production, Uttar Pradesh being first.

The Hooghly district accounts for the highest production in the state, followed by Paschim Medinipur, Bardhaman, Bankura and Jalpaiguri. The disease has hit Paschim Medinipur, Bankura and Jalpaiguri, according to De. About 75 per cent of the production in the state comes from these five.