Potato growers of Champadanga and Tarkeswar are protesting against supply of defective potato seeds resulting in production of large scale deformed potatoes.
The output of deformed potatoes has shocked the potato growers of Champadanga and Tarkeshwar. An affected farmer said, “We bought the potato seeds from Champadanga Aloo Babsayi Samity. The seeds usually come from Punjab.
To our amazement, we found the potatoes were all deformed. When cooked, the deformed potatoes tasted bitter. More than 600 bags of potatoes are of no use. The deformed potatoes are also not fit for animal consumption. We are at a great loss after investing loan money in raising crops. But all is in vain.
We are facing a debt trap. We have informed the BDO and want the agricultural department to carry on-spot investigation. We demand strict steps against potato seed suppliers and appropriate compensation.
The affected potato growers have warned of an intensified protest if their voice is not heard.