Bihar Farmer Grows ‘Black Gold’ Potatoes Using Seeds from the US

Motihari, February 21, 2026: Breaking traditional farming norms, Prayag Dev Singh, a progressive farmer from Sagar Churarman village in Kotwa block, East Champaran, has successfully cultivated black potatoes—dubbed ‘black gold’—in his fields using seeds imported from the United States. The black potatoes are notably larger and heavier than regular varieties, earning Singh acclaim across the district.

While many rural farmers in Bihar continue to rely on conventional methods, often yielding only subsistence-level income, some innovators like Singh are proving that experimenting with new crops can be highly rewarding. Singh’s bold decision to grow black potatoes has not only transformed his fortunes but also set a new example of agricultural innovation in the region.

Seeds Imported from the US

To ensure quality, Singh imported the black potato seeds from the United States at a cost of ₹5,000 per kilogram. “We already had farmers in Bihar experimenting with black potatoes. To ensure high-quality seeds for my farm, I decided to bring them from the US,” Singh said. His risk has now borne fruit, with the first successful harvest attracting widespread attention.

Crop Size and Yield

Singh explained that the initial two years saw small yields, with potatoes as tiny as peas. After testing the soil and improving its quality through organic nutrients, the third-year harvest produced significantly larger potatoes. Currently, three to four black potatoes together weigh approximately one kilogram, a substantial improvement from the initial years.

Black Potato Farming in Bihar

Singh is part of a growing community of black potato farmers in Bihar. Farmers in Sitamarhi, such as Bhola Bihari, and in Jumai, including Rajesh Kumar, have also begun cultivating black potatoes, sourcing quality seeds from Patna.

This innovation reflects the potential for higher-value crops in the region and encourages other farmers to diversify beyond traditional cultivation methods, turning experimentation into profitable outcomes.