The
potato, known as the king of vegetables, is in high demand in countries outside
India.
While potatoes are common in India and
are easily available, the vegetable is purchased at exorbitant prices abroad.
Approximately
6,000 quintals of potatoes are being exported from Agra in response to demand
from hotels and homes in Malaysia, Qatar, and Dubai.
After
flagging off trucks loaded with potatoes , Agra’s Chief Development Officer A
Manikandan told that farmers have been paid Rs 900 per quintal for export
potatoes, while the government’s procurement price is set at Rs 650 per quintal. Exporting potatoes is proving to be a
profitable business for these farmers in this situation.
Kaushal
Kishore, Deputy Director Horticulture, told that in collaboration with the
Horticulture Department and the Uttar Pradesh State Horticulture Cooperative
Marketing Federation, Siddhi Vinayak Agro Processing Khandauli (Agra) has
exported 6,000 quintals of potatoes abroad to ensure that potato farmers get
the best price for their produce.
Around
3000 quintal potatoes have been sent to Malaysia, and 3000 quintal potatoes
have been sent to Dubai and Qatar.
Many
trucks of potatoes have also been transported from Agra to Himmatnagar in
Gujarat, where they will be exported to other countries via the Mundra Port.
This LR
variety potato was exported at a cost of Rs 900 per quintal.
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