Bengal CM announces price guarantee and subsidies for potato farmers
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari pledged transport aid, insurance, and price support to address volatility for potato growers.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a support package for potato farmers on Thursday at a programme in Pursurah, Hooghly. According to reports from Urban Acres and ThePrint, the package includes a government-backed price guarantee, transport subsidies, and crop insurance.
Adhikari stated that the state government will pay the difference if the free-on-board price of potatoes drops below Rs 1,120 per quintal. He noted that 4.75 lakh quintals of potatoes had been bought from 49 cold storages at Rs 950 per quintal.
The Chief Minister also promised a transport subsidy of Rs 50 per quintal for potatoes moved to other states via rail or road. He assured that vehicles transporting the produce would not be stopped at state borders, alleging that the previous Trinamool Congress government had harassed farmers with such restrictions.
Potato cultivation will be included under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, with the state government paying the insurance premium. Adhikari also said the government aims to sell 27 lakh quintals of stored potatoes by November 30, or potentially by December 31.
Regarding other welfare measures, Adhikari said four lakh farmers would receive an electricity subsidy of Rs 2 per unit. He added that more than 46 lakh farmers in Bengal would receive a total of Rs 9,000 annually through the PM-Kisan scheme, combining central and state contributions.