Potato Farmers in Majuli Face Crisis Amid Market Challenges

Potato farmers in Majuli are currently facing a severe crisis as they are forced to discard large quantities of their harvest due to pest infestations and plummeting market prices. Despite their hard work and investment, many farmers, including Dipankar Rajkhowa, are experiencing significant financial losses. The situation is exacerbated by challenges such as wild elephant attacks and inadequate storage facilities. Farmers are calling for urgent government intervention to establish cold storage solutions and provide necessary support to ensure the viability of agriculture in the region. This crisis reflects broader issues affecting farmers across Assam, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices and government assistance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2026, 14:57 IST

Farmers Struggle with Potato Losses in Majuli

A Majuli farmer dumping off his potato produce after infestation (Photo: AT)

Jorhat, June 3: Following a significant drop in market prices that affected tomato growers in Jorhat and Dergaon, attention has now turned to potato farmers in Majuli, who are compelled to discard large quantities of their harvest.

Farmers on this river island are grappling with a multitude of challenges, including damage from wild elephants, adverse weather, pest infestations, limited market access, and a lack of adequate storage facilities.

Dipankar Rajkhowa, a farmer and member of AASU, has been particularly impacted. He has cultivated potatoes, pumpkins, and other crops on the fertile lands of Majuli.

After investing significant time and resources, Rajkhowa reports that a substantial amount of his potato harvest has succumbed to pest damage while in storage.

"During peak harvest, potatoes sell for only Rs 7-8 per kg, while seed potatoes cost farmers Rs 25-30 per kg. Many farmers, hoping for better prices, opted to store their produce at home. Unfortunately, this year, that strategy failed," Rajkhowa explained.

Despite facing repeated wild elephant attacks, most farmers in the area managed to harvest their crops successfully. However, pest infestations and high humidity have rendered much of the stored produce unsellable.

Rajkhowa has already had to discard over 80 bags of potatoes, totaling around 40 quintals, leading to losses estimated between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000, with more crops still at risk.

"The market crisis is the core issue. If prices had remained stable, we could have sold our produce months ago. We waited for better rates, but we received neither a fair market price nor the ability to save our harvest," he lamented.

Rajkhowa emphasized that this crisis highlights the broader difficulties faced by farmers throughout Assam, despite their commitment to agriculture.

"People in Assam are eager to cultivate their land, work diligently, and contribute to the agricultural economy. However, for farming to be sustainable, government support is essential," he stated.

Another farmer noted that the current reliance of Majuli residents on vegetables from areas like Kharupetia could have been avoided with timely government action.

"If the government had effectively tackled the wild elephant issue, established cold storage facilities, and provided compensation for crop losses, the situation would be vastly different," he added.

In light of these challenges, local farmers have called upon the Majuli district administration, local MLA, and agriculture department officials to set up a modern cold storage facility. This would enable farmers to store their crops for six to seven months and sell them when prices rise.

"Majuli has thousands of acres under cultivation, producing several quintals of potatoes and pumpkins annually. This crisis is not mine alone; many farmers across Majuli and Assam are in the same predicament. I feel overwhelmed and discouraged about continuing farming," Rajkhowa concluded.