Himachal's Una Faces Potato Production Crunch Amid Weather Woes

Potato production in Una district, Himachal Pradesh, is set to decline by 30% due to severe summer heat and delayed winter onset. This third main crop, crucial for farmers' economic sustenance, faces challenges as current yields fall with weather fluctuations impacting cultivation and future wheat sowing.

Farmers in Himachal Pradesh's Una district are bracing for a challenging year as potato production is forecasted to drop by 30%. The severe summer heat coupled with a delay in the winter onset has significantly impacted crop yields, threatening the district's annual output of 20,000 to 25,000 tonnes.

Potato cultivation, vital for local farmers' economy as the third major crop after wheat and maize, now faces dwindling yields and further economic scrutiny. With prices ranging between Rs 3,000 and Rs 3,600 per quintal, reduced output poses substantial risks to farmers' income stability.

Agriculture Deputy Director Kulbhushan Dhiman noted adverse weather conditions as a major setback. The prolonged summer and untimely rains have caused yield reductions, affecting subsequent wheat sowing. Farmers in non-irrigated areas eagerly await rain to commence planting, underscoring the deep dependency on weather patterns.

(With inputs from agencies.)