Prayagraj: 1,199 potato farmers receive ₹52.64 lakh relief
Financial assistance was disbursed via direct benefit transfer to help farmers manage cold storage costs amid falling potato prices.
A total of 1,199 potato farmers in Prayagraj district have received ₹52.64 lakh in financial assistance under a cold storage charges reimbursement scheme, according to The Times of India. The funds were transferred directly into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The scheme provides a subsidy of ₹100 per quintal for potatoes kept in cold storage, with a maximum limit of 200 quintals or ₹20,000 per farmer. This initiative was launched through the Bhamashah Bhav Sthirta Kosh (Price Stabilization Fund) to cushion losses caused by price volatility.
Kaushal Kumar Neeraj, deputy director (horticulture) for the Prayagraj division, said 4,135 applications were received in Prayagraj district, with 1,199 approved so far. Across the Prayagraj division, which includes Fatehpur, Kaushambi and Pratapgarh, 8,665 applications were received and 4,078 were approved. A total of ₹261.74 lakh has been transferred to 3,673 farmers across the division.
The relief follows a decline in potato prices and increased storage costs. Disruptions in maritime routes due to tensions in the Gulf region impacted exports of 'Chipsona' and 'Kufri' varieties to nations like the UAE and Oman. This led to a surge in domestic supply as exporters halted shipments, putting downward pressure on prices.
Potato cultivation covers 45,225 hectares across the four districts of the Prayagraj division, with a total production of 1.5259 million metric tonnes. Farmers can avail of the benefit until November 30, as reported by the Hindustan Times.