New Delhi: India, the world’s second largest potato producer after China, is likely to produce around 60 million tonnes of tubers this season, flat from last year’s record, says Brajesh Singh, director, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI) in Shimla.
India and China together account for 40% of global potato production, which was estimated at 385 million tonnes in 2024.
“As per our preliminary estimates, we do not see any major increase in the area under potato cultivation and production is expected to be more or less the same as compared to last year at 60 million tonnes,” Singh said.
Farmers in the key growing regions of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh continued last year’s sowing trends under favorable soil and climate conditions.
Effect of weather
“We don’t expect any major shift in potato this year. Currently, sowing is going on and it is likely to be completed by November. In terms of productivity, it would all depend on the weather,” said Jang Bahadur Sangha, one of the largest seed and table potato producers.
In 2024–25 (July–June), higher acreage and favorable weather conditions contributed to a record high output of about 60.18 million tons of potatoes, up 3.1 million tons from a year ago, according to the second preliminary estimate released by the agriculture ministry on June 25.
“The scenario for 2025-2026 looks more cautious. After last year’s bumper harvest, market prices have moderated due to excess supply. While it is still early to give a firm forecast for the upcoming crop, the area planted is expected to remain largely similar to last year, aided by higher availability of seeds and continued interest from farmers,” said Nripendra Kumar Jha, Managing Director of Technico Agri. Ltd, an ITC group company.
“There is a possibility of blight in the eastern regions, which could cause yield problems. Despite these risks, India’s total potato area is likely to maintain its momentum, maintaining the country’s position as the world’s second largest potato producer after China,” Jha added.
Prices of staple vegetables were depressed due to the record harvest. Figures from the Department of Statistics show potato prices fell 37% year-on-year amid strong stocks during August-September. Vegetables are currently floating around ₹30-35 per kg in Delhi.
