Rangpur Region Poised for Record Potato Production
Farmers in the Rangpur agricultural region are heading toward an all-time record potato production, as they have already exceeded their cultivation target by over 16%. Despite the sowing of potato seeds continuing into January, the early harvests have already entered the local markets, with farmers reaping significant profits.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) set an ambitious target for the 2024 Rabi season, aiming to produce 26,99,197 tonnes of potatoes from 1,01,576 hectares of land. However, the farmers in the region have already cultivated 1,18,183 hectares, surpassing the target by 16,607 hectares or 16.35%. This early achievement marks a promising start for the season.
Md Obaidur Rahman Mondal, Additional Director for the Rangpur region, noted that sowing would continue into January, especially in the mainland and char areas of all five districts: Rangpur, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat. Early varieties of potatoes, particularly those grown after the Aman rice harvest, have already started to appear in local markets, providing a solid income source for farmers. As of now, 97,797 tonnes of early variety potatoes have been harvested from 7,241 hectares of land, yielding an impressive average of 13.51 tonnes per hectare.
The surge in potato farming can also be attributed to the significant support from the interim government, which provided farmers with free seeds and fertilizers. This assistance, along with the consistent bumper yields in recent years, has encouraged more farmers to invest in potato cultivation. The collaboration of the DAE, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), and Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) has also ensured the availability of quality potato seeds and modern farming technologies. These efforts have been instrumental in increasing yields, even during the cold wave that swept through the region.
In terms of market prices, farmers are reporting excellent returns on their early harvests. Potato prices in retail markets range from Taka 40 to Taka 65 per kilogram, depending on the variety and quality, while wholesale prices vary from Taka 35 to Taka 60 per kg. Middlemen traders and farmers are selling potatoes to wholesalers at Taka 25 to Taka 55 per kg, further boosting the profitability for the region’s farmers.
The Rangpur region’s potato farmers are experiencing a record-breaking season, driven by increased cultivation area, early variety harvests, and strong market demand. With the government’s support and the adoption of modern agricultural practices, the region is set for a bumper crop and lucrative returns for farmers. However, sustained efforts to manage crop health and market fluctuations will be crucial in maintaining this success throughout the remainder of the season.
