Baglung. Potatoes worth Rs 1.94 billion were produced in the district this year. Farmers here have been cultivating potatoes in two seasons – monsoon and winter. Potato production is higher in the rainy season than in winter. Potatoes worth millions of rupees are produced annually as the upper belt of the district is suitable for potato production. Farmers have been attracted to potato farming after the Agriculture Knowledge Centre Baglung has been investing in potato farming.

Potato production is high in Tamankhola, Tarakhola, Nisikhola, Kathekhola rural municipality, Dhorpatan and Galkot municipalities. This year, potatoes were planted in 2,860 hectares of land and 55,600 metric tons were produced, said Santosh Adhikari, information officer at Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Baglung. According to him, the number of farmers cultivated and the production decreased this year as compared to the previous year.

According to him, potato was cultivated in 3,700 hectares of land last year and 56,240 metric tonnes was produced. Potatoes were planted in 840 hectares less area this year as compared to last year. The potato produced by the farmers was sold at Rs 35 per kg, the official said. Knowledge Centre has expanded its new area at a cost of Rs 26 million in the fiscal year 2080/81, Rs 15.9 million in the fiscal year 2081/82 and Rs 55.90 million in the current fiscal year.

“The upper belt of Baglung has a favorable climate for potato cultivation, the farmers here have been producing good potatoes, the farmers are excited and we are working to expand the area and increase the production,” said Adhikari, adding, “Along with the expansion of the area of Khany potato, the use of new technology, management of manure and irrigation management will be improved varieties of seeds.” ’

The potatoes produced here are supplied to Baglung, Butwal, Chitwan and other cities. Last year, farmers sold winter potatoes at Rs 40 per kg and summer potatoes at Rs 50 per kg, but this year they got only Rs 35, according to the Centre. Due to the prolonged drought during the potato plantation, there has been a slight decline in production this year.