March 20,2026-The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), under the leadership of Satnam Singh Chahal, expresses deep concern over the ongoing crisis faced by potato farmers due to a sharp fall in market prices following a bumper harvest. Reports indicate that farmers are being forced to sell their produce at a distressing rate of ₹3–4 per kilogram, far below the actual cost of production.
Farmers across the region have highlighted that the average cost of producing potatoes stands at approximately ₹8–9 per kilogram. At the current market rates, they are unable to recover even their basic input expenses, pushing them into severe financial distress. This situation not only threatens their livelihoods but also raises serious concerns about the sustainability of agriculture.
Renowned agricultural expert Devinder Sharma has rightly emphasised that the implementation of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the only viable solution to protect farmers from recurring losses. He pointed out that the state of Kerala has already set an example by fixing MSP for nearly 16 vegetables, a model that is proving beneficial for vegetable growers in the state.
NAPA strongly urges the Government of India and concerned state governments to take immediate and decisive action by introducing MSP for potatoes and other perishable crops. Without such intervention, farmers will continue to suffer due to volatile market conditions and lack of price assurance.
Agriculture forms the backbone of the nation, and the welfare of farmers must remain a top priority. It is imperative that policymakers act swiftly to safeguard the interests of farmers and ensure fair compensation for their hard work.