Meerut: In terms of potato production, Uttar Pradesh holds the top position in the country. Potatoes are now rapidly expanding into the sugarcane belt, with sugarcane farmers increasingly adopting potato cultivation.
As a result, potato production in the region has been rising year after year. The short cultivation period and the favourable soil and climate conditions have led to a rapid increase in the area dedicated to potato farming. According to the district horticulture department’s data, the potato farming area has expanded from a mere 2,000 to 3,000 hectares to 8,000 hectares.
Potato crops are ready for harvest within 80 to 100 days. The short cultivation period and favourable prices have encouraged sugarcane farmers to try their hand at potato farming. Some large-scale farmers in the district prefer potato farming over sugarcane.
Arun Kumar, District Horticulture Officer, said, “Meerut district is predominantly a sugarcane region, with most farmers growing sugarcane. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards potato farming. The potato farming area has now expanded to 8,000 hectares. The favourable prices and high-yielding varieties have generated enthusiasm among farmers.”
