Potato prices have moved up by Rs 20-30 a quintal in West Bengal, this week, as traders and retailers are busy stockpiling for the festive season. West Bengal will celebrate week-long Durga Puja festival, beginning from October 10.

According to Patit Paban De, Member of the West Bengal Cold Storage Association (WBCSA), potato prices have moved up from Rs 440-460 per quintal till a week ago, to Rs 460-480 per quintal since Sunday. The current rise in price, however, will not be enough for farmers to recover costs.

According to De, production cost – including storage rentals and finance cost – stand at nearly Rs 500 a quintal (Rs 5 a kg). He further added saying that the prices should further surge by at least Rs 20 a quintal to help farmers recover cost.

Potato prices are ruling nearly 30 percent lower this year when compared to the same period last year. A better demand ahead of the festival is also helping farmers to clear stock of potato from the 425 cold storages in the State. Of the 60 lakh tonnes of potato stored this year, 63-64 percent of the stock is cleared so far.