Spells of rain on Feb 1 and 2 have inflicted damage to Bengal's agricultural landscape, casting a shadow on potato and other crops across various districts. According to initial assessments, standing potato crops have been extensively damaged, raising concerns about the overall impact on the retail market in Kolkata.

Bengal's primary cash crop, potatoes, are now at a risk of further affliction due to the blight disease, amplifying the challenges faced by farmers.

This comes after the rain on Jan 17, 18, and 19, which had caused substantial damage to the crops. The state's agriculture department has initiated assessments to gauge the full extent of the devastation.

Rural Development Minister Pradip Mazumdar expressed concern, stating: "We wish this rain to have a limited impact on the potato crop. But such unseasonal rain sometimes plays havoc with the standing crop."

Potato has faced a triple blow this season. Late Dec, rain prompted farmers to replant seeds, and now, the recent downpour has further heightened worries.

There are growing fears that potato production this year may plummet by at least 30% compared to previous years, potentially leading to a surge in retail prices.

Stagnant rainwater has significantly damaged potato crops in Hooghly, East Burdwan, and Bankura. The state govt has launched efforts to assess the damage and support affected farmers.

Farmers find themselves grappling with the aftermath of a triple onslaught on their crops. The cost of cultivating one bigha of potatoes has skyrocketed to Rs 25,000-Rs 30,000 per bigha.

In addition to potatoes, various other rabi crops, including green gram, red lentil, Bengal gram, Lima beans and onions, have suffered destruction due to rain and waterlogging. Farmers are expressing their concerns, facing financial setbacks and uncertainties about the upcoming harvest.

Govt officials, including Majumdar and his deputy Becharam Manna, are actively assessing the damage. They believe that while the situation is challenging, farmers can overcome these difficulties.

Vegetables have not been spared from adverse weather conditions either.

Cauliflower in the Tarakeswar block have been attacked by green larvae due to rain and fog, causing significant financial losses for farmers like Krittibas Majhi.

Other crops like arhar, beans, and ladies' finger have also suffered, affecting the livelihoods of many families.

The rainfall has also impacted paddy farmers awaiting govt procurement of their harvest. Farmers from the Pursura block said the challenges they faced when his paddy stock, left in the open due to a lack of shelter at the market, was damaged. The delay in procurement has left farmers vulnerable to exploitation by agents.

Source - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com