Potato farmers in Arambagh, a key agricultural belt in West Bengal, India, are reeling from severe losses following a large-scale yield of deformed potatoes — tubers so misshapen that they are unfit for sale or consumption. The problem, as reported by multiple farmers including Rabindranath Mukherjee of Molaypur and Mukta Das of Pandua, stems from the use of Punjab-sourced ‘Korma’ potato seeds, which were sown in December 2024, following standard regional practices.
By early 2025, during the routine inspection of the crops, farmers discovered that their yields were drastically deformed. “The potatoes had no commercial value and couldn’t be sold in the market or used for consumption,” said one grower. With investments nearing Rs 1 lakh (approx. $1,200) per hectare, the losses have left many smallholders financially devastated.
A meeting involving local government officials, representatives from the agriculture department, and the seed suppliers was convened to address the issue. Seed distributors agreed to pay compensation of Rs 900 per quintal of deformed potatoes, but to date, many farmers claim they have not received any reimbursement. The situation has reignited demands from the farming community for the development of region-specific, high-yielding potato seed varieties to reduce dependence on out-of-state suppliers, particularly from Punjab.
Background: Why Potato Shape Matters
Potato grading plays a significant role in marketability. In both retail and processing sectors, deformed or irregularly shaped potatoes are usually rejected, as they are unsuitable for slicing, frying, or even packaging. The Indian Ministry of Agriculture estimates that more than 30% of post-harvest potato losses stem from poor quality or appearance, impacting farmer incomes heavily.
The Broader Seed Quality Challenge
This is not an isolated issue. Across India, seed quality remains a critical bottleneck in potato cultivation. According to the Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), seed accounts for 40-50% of the total cost of cultivation in potato farming. Yet, only 25-30% of Indian farmers use certified seed, leaving them vulnerable to poor-quality supplies and unregulated market channels.
Punjab has long been a key supplier of seed potatoes, especially for regions in eastern India. However, climatic incompatibilities and disease susceptibility often result in unpredictable outcomes. Deformed tubers can be caused by several factors including virus-infected seed, improper storage, nutrient imbalances, or temperature fluctuations during tuber formation.
Possible Solutions and Future Directions
To prevent such recurring agricultural disasters, experts are calling for:
- State-level certified seed production systems using climate-adapted and disease-resistant varieties.
- Strengthening local seed multiplication farms and investing in tissue culture-based seed programs.
- Establishing real-time seed traceability and quality control systems.
- Providing insurance schemes and rapid compensation mechanisms for crop failures caused by faulty inputs.
In 2023, India produced over 56 million metric tons of potatoes, making it the second-largest potato producer globally after China. However, ensuring the quality and reliability of planting material remains a foundational challenge that must be addressed for long-term sustainability.
The seed failure crisis in Arambagh serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of input-dependent agriculture. For farmers, seed quality is not just a technical concern — it’s a matter of livelihood. Strengthening regional seed development, improving input monitoring, and ensuring timely compensation are essential to protect growers and ensure the resilience of India’s potato supply chain.
