West Bengal: Bengal potato production for current season pegged at 110 lakh tonne

He said in order to ensure balanced market conditions,

authorities should maintain release of the stored stock at an

uniform rate of 12 per cent in each month during the unloading

period.

    "The area under cultivation of potatoes is on the rise

and the cold storage units will continue to play a pivotal

role in marketing the produce.

    "Collection and analysis of pan India comprehensive

data on cultivation, harvesting, storage and marketing should

be undertaken for formulation of necessary action plan, and

monitoring the stock situation on a real-time basis," said

Tarun Kanti Ghosh, president of West Bengal Cold Storage

Association.

    Speaking at its annual general meeting, he also batted

for enhancement in the quantity of locally-developed seeds,

and support from the state government for cultivation of

export-quality potatoes.

    Meanwhile, state Agriculture Minister Tapan Dasgupta

said he will look into complaints by association members over

hefty Panchayat Tax & Trade License fees. PTI BSM

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