To combat the ongoing agrarian distress where farmers are forced to sell potatoes at throwaway prices of ₹2–5 per kg, the West Bengal government has launched the Potato Procurement Scheme 2026. Under this initiative, the state will purchase potatoes directly from farmers at a fixed rate of ₹9.50 per kg.

Key Strategic Measures:

• Targeted Procurement: The government aims to buy 12 lakh tonnes of potatoes, allowing each farmer to sell up to 35 quintals.
• Storage Shield: To prevent exploitation by middlemen (locally known as phoreys), 30% of cold storage capacity across the state has been reserved specifically for small and marginal farmers.
• Direct Distribution: These procured stocks will be routed through ‘Sufal Bangla’ outlets and social welfare schemes like Mid-Day Meals to ensure consumers get affordable produce while farmers receive a fair price.