Farmers who experimented with cultivation of red potato in Deesa and its surrounding areas three years ago stand to reap rich returns. A prolonged winter and scientific guidance has helped achieve a good harvest this season. One such farmer P J Chaudhary of Dangiya village is expecting an output of more than 27 tonnes per acre this year. He is looking forward to a gross income of Rs 2.45 crores.
The variety was only introduced into the area in 2010. it was greeted with initial scepticism, though some farmers planted it.
"For the last two years, we have been reaping rich dividends from this new variety. The potato gets its name from its red outer skin. It fetches a price of Rs 12 per kg in the market while traditional ones are sold at Rs 9 per kg. The prime purchasers are potato chips and wafer producing companies," Chaudhary said.
Director of research at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University R L Patel said, "Chaudhary has come out as a role model as far as production of red potatoes is concerned. We found that that not only do these potatoes have less water content, which is ideal for wafers, but they are also low in sugar content." The entire red potato cultivation is carried out through sprinkle irrigation system in the region.There are around 50 farmers like Chaudhary who have taken the red potato route to prosperity.
