Several thousand potato farmers in Lalmonirhat and adjacent districts in northern Bangladesh have expressed concerns over the high prices of potato seeds impacting this season's cultivation. Atoar Rahaman, a farmer from the Mostofi Bazar area in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, highlighted the difficulty in arranging sufficient seeds for cultivation due to the escalated prices. This sentiment is echoed by farmers Sakmal and Ashraful from Hiramanik village, who are facing similar challenges.
Lalmonirhat, along with nearby districts in the Rangpur division, is known for its conducive soil and weather conditions for potato farming, producing high-quality potatoes that were even exported in the past. Farmers in this region engage in potato cultivation both for market sale and seed production, often storing their produce in local cold storage facilities as seeds. However, the last two years have seen a significant increase in potato prices, affecting daily consumption in Bangladeshi households. Currently, potato varieties such as cardinal and diamond are being sold at $0.54 - $0.59 per kg in the market.
Abdul Mujib Bhuiyan, a cold storage facility owner in the Mahendranagar area, noted that the high seed prices could adversely affect this season's cultivation. He mentioned that farmers have commenced cultivation in many areas, but those who planted early varieties faced harvest losses due to last month's rains. Amidst this shortage, quality potato seeds are being sold at $0.75 - $0.84 per kg, with companies also selling at elevated prices, adding to the growers' difficulties.
The Department of Agricultural Extension's (DAE) Lalmonirhat office aims to bring 6,500 hectares of land under potato cultivation this season. Deputy Director Dr Shaikhul Arefin stated that potato farming has gained popularity among farmers, who have seen profitable returns in the past two years. The high demand for seeds underscores the farmers' growing interest in potato cultivation.
Source: The Financial Express