India, April 18 -- Potato prices in the wholesale markets have witnessed a sharp increase in the last two to three weeks amid spoilage fears due to pre-monsoon rains followed by summer heat across major cultivating regions. Large stocks were ruined in transit due to thunderstorm and rainfalls in the north and the north-east states resulting in fewer kilos of potatoes at mandis. Also during this time around wholesalers and cold storage keepers normally build their inventory for supply in the lean season at higher prices. Thus the overall demand for potato remains firm trade sources told Business Standard.Data compiled by the Nashik-based National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF) showed potato prices have shot up by 8...