Farmers in Baduria smile as they turn to taro instead of potato
मुख्य बातें
- •Farmers in Baduria, Purba Bardhaman, have shifted from potato to taro cultivation.
- •Taro farming costs less and earns more than potato farming, benefiting local growers.
- •Robin Mondal, secretary of the local farmers’ association, notes strong market demand and better prices for taro.
- •Official data show a 30 % rise in taro acreage this year compared with last year.
- •Taro farming costs ₹8,000–10,000 per bigha, while potato farming costs ₹15,000 per bigha.
Farmers in the Baduria area of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, are now sporting broad grins. Rather than growing potatoes, they are focusing on taro cultivation, a new agricultural trend that is boosting their incomes. According to local farmers, taro farming costs far less than potato farming and yields higher returns. Moreover, the strong market demand for taro ensures quick sales.
Robin Mondal, secretary of the Baduria Farmers’ Association, said, “Earlier we grew potatoes, but low prices meant little profit. Since switching to taro, our earnings have risen. The price is good, demand is high, and the market is ready to buy.” He added that taro requires no special machinery and is easy to care for, which is drawing new farmers to the crop.
