The findings of the investigation team on the potato rotting issue at the Phuentshogling FCB auction yard revealed that potatoes from only a few districts experienced rotting. The finding cited the failure of management practices such as improper curing as one of the reasons for rotting potato. Moreover, the investigation found that potato rot is not limited to the Yusi Maap potato variety and is not due to the Yara fertiliser.
A team from the Department of Agriculture conducted an investigation into the potato rotting issue.
According to officials from the Food Corporation of Bhutan, the rotting is not specific to any variety.
“The report stated that the rotting occurred because the farmers did not dry the potatoes properly. This is because farmers bringing Yusi Maap to Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashigang did not experience this issue,” said Tshering Dorji, the Regional Director of FCB.
Officials said that farmers’ suspicion of Yara fertilizer behind the huge potato rot is also not true.
The investigation did not show a direct link between Yara fertiliser and the occurrence of potato rot in the region, as there have been no reports of such issues from east and central Bhutan.
The report states that the potato rotting issue is primarily from Phobjikha Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang.
FCB officials said that the potatoes at the Phuentshogling auction yard experienced rotting due to poor potato management such as improper curing.
Unfavourable weather during the harvest and excessive heat while in the queue for auction are some other reasons cited in the report.
FCB officials say that people should continue to grow the Yusi Maap potato variety.
“Yusi Maap is a fortified potato. This variety has high production and important nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and iron. People including children love potatoes, so the ministry introduced this variety for the benefit of people. Since this is quite new, business may not go well, but in the future, it will go well,” added Tshering Dorji, the Regional Director.
FCB officials said that implementing preventive measures like proper storage, curing, grading, and handling among others are important.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Tshering Zam
