Potato marketing in Bihar vis-a-vis cold storage inadequacies

Bihar is one of the leading potato growing state of India and It produced 15.68 lakh tonnes of potato during 1992–93 with a cold storage capacity of 4.35 lakh tonnes. which is adequate for storing only 22.3% of potato production in the state. In addition to the shortage of space, cold storage charges are exhorbitant which varied between RS.60 to 65 per quintal as against Rs. 32.50 to 34.50 in the adjoining state of Uttar Pradesh. Malpractices such as storage delays, fictitious bookings and erratic power supply are some of the most serious defects needing Immediate attention. Under such situations the potato growers, particularly the small and marginal, dispose of their produce at throwaway prices Immediately after harvest. This causes a steep fall in the wholesale prices of potatoes during the peak market arrival period. This is evident from the seasonal Index of 61.2% In Patna market in 1987–90, compared with 72.2% in Delhi market. The growth of cold storage capacity in the state has also lagged behind potato production. These marketing inadequacies have adversely affected the growth of potato production in the state. The cold storage capacity of 3.39 lakh tonnes Is reqUired 1.0 be created immediately besides ensuring an annual growth rate of 0.15 lakh tonnes in the future 1.0 remedy the situation. Further, while creating fresh cold storage facilities, the district-wise consumption requirements should be considered to avoid unwanted transportation and centralization. A suitable proportion of cold storages should be installed In the public sector for small and marginal potato growers. Govt. should Introduce market interventions schemes to regulate prices during the peak market arrival periods.