.. as they need substantial quantities as seeds for the next season which should see an increase in the acreage under the potato crop.'

Echoing the same sentiment, a wholesale potato seller of Belanganj subzi mandi Khajroo Mal said: 'The supply presently is short... the last crop was not so good. Potato cultivators do not seem to be in any hurry to release their stocks, maybe their holding capacity has increased which has led to the rise in prices.'

But organisations of potato cultivators allege that the middlemen are reaping the benefits of the increased prices. 'In the past one week alone, the potato prices have gone up by three to four rupees. Middlemen are reaping the benefit of the increased prices and not the farmers,' an official said.

Ravi, a farmer of the Barauli Ahir block in Khandauli here, said: 'The yield is the highest and the quality of Khandauli aloo, also called Taj Aloo, is recognised as the best in the country.' Khandauli area produces roughly 10 percent of the country's total potato output of 25 million tonnes.

'The price rise is due to a combination of factors. Firstly, all vegetables are expensive these days, then the bigger sharks are hoarding and the cold storages are also helping them at the cost of the consumer,' he said.