The farmers of Una district in Himachal Pradesh are facing significant challenges as they begin the planting season for potatoes. What was once a viable crop for many small-scale farmers has now become a costly venture due to the sharp increase in seed prices. This season, potato seed prices have doubled compared to last year, with farmers purchasing seeds at ₹2,500 per quintal, and in some cases, even paying as much as ₹3,000 per quintal.
Last year, farmers were able to buy potato seeds for between ₹1,400 and ₹1,460 per quintal, making the current prices a significant burden. The doubling of seed prices is particularly tough for small farmers, who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the inputs necessary for potato cultivation.
According to the agriculture department, the potato crop in Una has a growing cycle of around two months and ten days. This relatively short cycle usually makes potatoes a low-cost and less labor-intensive crop compared to others. Every year, farmers in the district cultivate potatoes on approximately 1,300 to 1,400 hectares of land, producing around 27,500 metric tons of potatoes. However, the weather plays a crucial role in the success of this crop, and farmers have faced consistent losses due to adverse weather conditions.
Reasons for the Price Increase
Several factors have contributed to the increase in seed prices. The primary reason is supply chain disruptions caused by unpredictable weather patterns, which have affected seed production. Furthermore, rising input costs across the agricultural sector have added to the burden. The cost of fertilizers, transportation, and labor has also seen an upward trend, pushing up the overall price of seeds.
Another major factor is the reliance on imported seeds from Punjab’s large mandis, which serve as a key source of potato seeds for farmers in Una. The high demand and limited supply have led to the escalation in prices, making it difficult for local farmers to secure affordable seeds.
Impact of Weather on Potato Farming
Una district’s farmers are also at the mercy of increasingly unpredictable weather conditions. Heavy rainfall, storms, and hailstorms have caused significant damage to crops in recent years. With the added expense of more expensive seeds, any adverse weather this season could result in substantial losses for farmers who have already invested heavily in their crops.
The Agricultural Sub-director, Dr. Kulbhushan Dhiman, has advised farmers to remain vigilant about the changing weather conditions as they proceed with their planting. While recent rains have stabilized the weather in the district, there is always a risk of sudden weather events that could impact the crop.
Farming Becoming More Expensive
The rising costs of farming inputs are not limited to potato seeds. Across the board, farming is becoming more expensive, making it harder for farmers to achieve profitability. According to Ranjit Singh, district president of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, farming has become a costly endeavor due to weather challenges and the low prices that traders offer for produce. Many farmers are now buried under mounting debt, struggling to make ends meet as they face losses year after year.
The doubling of potato seed prices in Una district is a reflection of the larger challenges facing farmers across India. With rising input costs, unpredictable weather, and market uncertainties, small farmers are particularly vulnerable. Addressing these challenges requires better support systems for farmers, from access to affordable seeds to improved weather forecasting and insurance mechanisms that can help mitigate the risks of farming in such uncertain times.
