Jalpaiguri Farmers Turn to Peas After Potato Losses, Find 'Green Hope' on Teesta Riverbed

• Jalpaiguri farmers are adopting pea cultivation on the Teesta riverbed as a profitable alternative after significant losses in potato farming.
• Unseasonal heavy rains caused the Teesta's water level to rise, submerging potato fields and leading to extensive damage for many farmers.
• Pea cultivation requires less fertilizer and yields well on the Teesta riverbed soil, with its improved taste and quality attracting markets in Assam and Kolkata.
• Approximately 1,000 acres of the Teesta riverbed are now dedicated to pea cultivation, offering a 'green hope' for farmers.
• District Horticulture Department reports 2700 hectares for pea cultivation in the district, producing around 22,300 metric tons, with a large part from the riverbed.

Why It Matters: Pea cultivation offers Jalpaiguri farmers a profitable alternative to recover from potato crop losses.