Market
20 December 2025
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Source:Infomist/Team Potato Bazaar
NCDEX signals Return of Potato Futures in 2026 Amid Steep Price Slump
NCDEX signals Return of Potato Futures in 2026 Amid Steep Price Slump
NCDEX CEO Arun Raste Signals Return of Potato Futures in 2026 Amid Steep Price Slump.
Modern Logistics and Enhanced Cold Storage Infrastructure Set the Stage for Relaunch of Agri-Futures Contract.
The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Ltd (NCDEX) is formally mulling the relaunch of potato futures in 2026. Managing Director and CEO Arun Raste highlighted that the agricultural ecosystem has matured significantly over the last decade, making a delivery-based potato contract more viable than ever before.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst
Potato futures were previously listed in 2013 but failed to maintain liquidity due to infrastructure bottlenecks. However, Raste notes a paradigm shift in logistics and cold storage capacity. "When potato was launched earlier, cold storage was a big issue. That has changed over the last 10–15 years," he said. Unlike other volatile "TOP" crops (Tomato and Onion) which have limited shelf lives, the potato’s storability makes it a prime candidate for exchange-based risk management.
Current Market Context: A Sharp Decline
The timing of this relaunch study coincides with a significant price correction in physical markets. As of December 19, 2025, wholesale Mandi rates for potatoes have seen a year-on-year decline ranging from 30% to 40%.
Current prices in North Indian markets like Punjab and Haryana are averaging between ₹545 and ₹800 per quintal, driven by a bumper Rabi arrival and surplus carryover stocks.
Strategic Shifts in Contract Design
To ensure success, NCDEX is reassessing its contract structure. While Agra was previously the sole concentration, the exchange is now evaluating West Bengal and Gujarat as alternate basis centers to reflect changing production patterns and processing demands. This move aims to provide a reliable "price signal" to farmers and processors who are currently struggling with supply gluts.
The relaunch remains subject to regulatory approvals and ongoing internal feasibility studies as part of NCDEX's broader plan to strengthen its agri-commodity portfolio.
Modern Logistics and Enhanced Cold Storage Infrastructure Set the Stage for Relaunch of Agri-Futures Contract.
The National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Ltd (NCDEX) is formally mulling the relaunch of potato futures in 2026. Managing Director and CEO Arun Raste highlighted that the agricultural ecosystem has matured significantly over the last decade, making a delivery-based potato contract more viable than ever before.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst
Potato futures were previously listed in 2013 but failed to maintain liquidity due to infrastructure bottlenecks. However, Raste notes a paradigm shift in logistics and cold storage capacity. "When potato was launched earlier, cold storage was a big issue. That has changed over the last 10–15 years," he said. Unlike other volatile "TOP" crops (Tomato and Onion) which have limited shelf lives, the potato’s storability makes it a prime candidate for exchange-based risk management.
Current Market Context: A Sharp Decline
The timing of this relaunch study coincides with a significant price correction in physical markets. As of December 19, 2025, wholesale Mandi rates for potatoes have seen a year-on-year decline ranging from 30% to 40%.
Current prices in North Indian markets like Punjab and Haryana are averaging between ₹545 and ₹800 per quintal, driven by a bumper Rabi arrival and surplus carryover stocks.
Strategic Shifts in Contract Design
To ensure success, NCDEX is reassessing its contract structure. While Agra was previously the sole concentration, the exchange is now evaluating West Bengal and Gujarat as alternate basis centers to reflect changing production patterns and processing demands. This move aims to provide a reliable "price signal" to farmers and processors who are currently struggling with supply gluts.
The relaunch remains subject to regulatory approvals and ongoing internal feasibility studies as part of NCDEX's broader plan to strengthen its agri-commodity portfolio.
Potato Price Futures