In the Rangpur agricultural region in Bangladesh the farmers are hopeful about the prospect of an impressive potato crop after last year’s booming market price. The early varieties of potatoes are already making their way to local markets and are fetching attractive price. It is reported that the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a for 26,99,197 tons potatoes on 1,01,576 ha of agricultural land during the Rabi season.

Based on Md Obaidur RahmanMondal, Additional Director of Department of Agriculture and Environment’s Rangpur region, 95.970 hectares of land, which represents 94.50 percentage of property, is currently under potato cultivation. Sowing is continuing. The period of sowing is set to last through January which covers both the mainland and Char areas in five districts within the region. They are Rangpur, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat.

The harvest of early varieties of potato in late October following the Aman rice harvest. The DAE as well as others, including the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, as well as other organisations are helping farmers with quality potato seeds as well as the most recent techniques for agriculture. This aid is designed to help ensure the success of intensive potato farming in possible cold weather.

Rahman spoke about the interim government’s efforts to boost the production of winter crops and potatoes by providing a steady supply of fertilizers as well as other nutrients. Field officials assist farmers by providing new sowing and nurse methods to increase yield.

Farmers such as Mohibur or Mofizar Rahman, both from Rangpur Sadar upazila, who are already harvesting their first variety of potatoes said they are optimistic about maximizing profit. Ariful Haque, a potato cultivator, was pleased about the prices currently being offered for the newly harvested potatoes.

Vegetable sellers in Rangpur city have reported an ongoing growth in supply of fresh harvested potatoes which retail prices vary between $0.60 or $0.70 per kilogram, based on the quality and varieties. Wholesalers purchase the potatoes from farmers and middlemen for prices ranging from $0.45 to $0.50 per kilogram and then selling them to stores with prices that vary between $0.50 up to $0.60 per kilogram.

Source: BSS News