Amid falling potato prices and rising cold storage costs, 1,199 farmers in Prayagraj district have received financial assistance totalling ₹ 52.68 lakh under a cold storage fee relief scheme.
The amount has been directly credited to their bank accounts through direct benefit transfer (DBT), officials said.
The relief comes amid a decline in potato prices following disruptions in exports to Gulf countries, including the UAE and Oman, which are key markets for Uttar Pradesh’s Chipsona and Kufri varieties. Disruptions in shipping routes and a steep rise in freight costs reportedly delayed shipments and led to the cancellation of export orders. Deputy director (horticulture), Prayagraj division, Kaushal Kumar Neeraj said 4,135 applications were received from potato growers in Prayagraj district, of which 1,199 have been approved so far. Farmers can avail the benefit until November 30. Across the Prayagraj division, 8,665 applications have been received and 4,078 approved. Of these, 3,673 farmers have received a total of ₹ 261.74 lakh directly in their bank accounts, he added.
As a result, stocks originally meant for overseas markets were diverted to domestic mandis and cold storages, adding to the pressure on prices.
