Amidst a surge in demand for potatoes across the country, farmers are delighted as they fetch higher prices for their produce this season. According to the local agriculture office, the potato harvest is in full swing, with farmers almost completing the harvest in the district. They are actively engaged in harvesting their potato fields and are pleased with the handsome earnings from selling their potatoes.
Notably, potato traders and stockists are offering high prices as they collect potatoes directly from the farmers’ croplands. The demand for potato preservation in cold storages is exceptionally high this year, leading to increased interest from middlemen and traders. Consequently, the price of potatoes is rising daily due to this heightened demand.
During a visit to several areas in Sadar upazila of the district, it was observed that farmers are diligently involved in the potato harvest. For instance, Shajol Bashunia, a farmer from Hardotta village, cultivated potatoes on 40 decimals of land and obtained 80 sacks worth Tk 1.50 lakh, having incurred only Tk 50,000 in cultivation expenses. Similarly, Harun Bashunia, another farmer from Monorom village, achieved a bumper production after cultivating potatoes on 15 bighas of land, resulting in substantial profits.
The rain has posed challenges for potato fields this year, impacting the renowned potato farming in Munshiganj. Farmers have reported that the selling price of potatoes at the field level ranges from Tk 29-30 per kilogram, with buyers transporting the produce from fields to cold storages. Sadekul Islam, a farmer, highlighted the significantly higher expenses this year for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to increased production costs.
At present, different potato varieties are being sold at retail markets for Tk 35 to 50 per kilogram. Consumers have expressed deep concern over the substantial price hike, emphasizing that the usual price range for potatoes at this time is Tk 15-20 per kilogram. There are apprehensions that without proper monitoring of the potato market by relevant authorities, consumers may face further challenges, with prices expected to reach Tk 70-80 per kilogram in the coming months.
