The Centre on Tuesday decided to purchase 100,000 tonnes of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh (UP) farmers in 2016-17 season at Rs 4,870 per tonne to arrest the sharp fall in prices. According to a statement on Tuesday, the government will give an extra Rs 1,217.6 per tonne or an actual sum, whichever is less for overhead expenses, such as transportation charges, mandi tax, and godown charges.

A decision to procure potato in UP under market intervention scheme (MIS) has been approved by the Union agriculture ministry. The MIS will be implemented by the state agency, the statement added. Potato ...