Berhampur, To overcome from scarcity of potato in Odisha,the state govt initiated measures for production of potato.During previous govt potato mission excuted,which almost proved failure,this year,the present govt decided to establish more cold stores and to enhence the production.Even targets of potato production has been fixed.However,no steps were taken to findout the reasson of low production of potato in the state,although the soil for the cultivation is condusive in several districts including Ganjam.This year,the state govt has directed the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) to procure 1.87 lakh quintals of certified potato seeds.Accordingly orders has been placed with major potato producing states.Even,some officials including the Director of state Horticulture dept reportedly,personally visited the said supplier states to verify the quality of the seeds.Accordingly,the potato seeds reached the state and disbursed to different districts.Unlike other districts,Ganjam district also prepared its plan for increase the cultivable lands and production.According to K.Jena,deputy director of horticulture dept,Ganjam,this year a target has been fixed to cultivate the potato in over 700 hectres of land in the district and indented for 9100 quintals of seed.The potato seeds started reaching various blocks in the district and also distributed to the farmers.The Asst director of horticulture(ADH),Ganjam,S.Panda said,the horticulture dept purchases the seeds at Rs 42.86/-per kg,but sold to the farmers at Rs 20/-per kg with a later subsidy of Rs 10/-and the subsidy money will deposited on the account of the farmers.Under proper guidence,the cultivation is being taken up and by ensuing March potato will be produced,said official sources.The horticulture dept also hope for a harvest of a maximum 15 quintal and minimum of 10 quintal from one quintal of seed and a total production of 1,36,500 quintal this year,if every thing goes smoothly.Contrary to the claim and hope of the horticulture dept,the ground reality is different.This year,the farmers,initially faced water scarcity and later the continued unseasonal rain for more than 8 days.While the water from uplands cleared,the low lying areas still has water and the potato seeds got rotted.The irony is that,the potato seeds sold to the farmers,just before their expiry date..The procured seeds has the period of test march-April and valid upto 9 months,provided seed is stored under cool and dry environment.However,the seeds supplied to the blocks stocked in normal rooms for a good time,before sold to farmers.Now around 35% of the potato crop damaged,but no official entrusted with the crop loss assessment not reached to the farmlands.On the condition of anonimity,a official said,for the loss of 35% crop,they are not elligible for any assistance.On the otherhand,the horticulture office sources said the potato crop loss report has sent to higherups for consideration.As such,around 25% of the potato seeds purchased by farmers either not germinated or got rotted,which is a loss to the farmers.Added to it,uncertenity about govt assistance for the croploss put the farmers in a fix.The potato farmers has urged the administration for financial assistance to them.
