In Bangladesh, The potato growers in Rangpur district have faced a significant disappointment with a drastic decline in this season’s production. Farmers attribute the low production of their produce to severe cold and dense fog.
It has been reported that over 80% of the potato harvest has already been completed in the district. However, growers are concerned about the reduced production compared to the previous year, fearing that it will impact their expected profits.
This year, potato cultivation spanned 53,930 hectares of land in eight upazilas of the district, an increase from the 53,550 hectares cultivated last year, according to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Rangpur. The decision to expand potato cultivation this year was fueled by the hope for a substantial yield and profit following good production and high prices the previous year.
However, the hopes of the cultivators were dashed due to a significant drop in potato production attributed to adverse weather conditions. For instance, Solaiman Mia, a potato cultivator in Uttam Baniapara of Rangpur Sadar upazila, reported a substantial decrease in this year’s potato production compared to the previous year, resulting in lower profits.
Farmers have alleged that severe cold and dense fog led to the spread of late blight disease in the potato fields, necessitating frequent application of medicines to combat the adverse situation. Consequently, the growers faced challenges in overcoming the disease, ultimately leading to lower yields.
Mizanur Rahman, a potato grower in the Jaigirhat area of Mithapukur Upazila, highlighted the significant expenses incurred this season for combating late blight disease by repeatedly spraying medicines on his crops.
Additionally, the DAE Additional Director (Rangpur region) stated that necessary advice and assistance were provided to potato growers to address the late blight disease caused by intense cold and dense fog.
