Potato output hit in Koraput; officials blame climate change

Climate change has reportedly put a dent on potato cultivation in Koraput district, where farmers report lower yields and poor-quality produce this season.

- POST NEWS NETWORK

As per official reports, erratic and excessive rainfall, coupled with rising temperatures during dry spells, adversely affected the tuber crop. Potatoes were cultivated over 3,500 hectares during the kharif season, with a target yield of 150 quintals per hectare.

Under a subsidy scheme, the horticulture department supplied potato seed procured from the Odisha State Seed Corporation to farmers. While the plants showed healthy growth and good flowering initially, many cultivators suffered losses at harvest time.