Farmers in this region have produced a record 32 lakh 30 thousand 682 tonnes of potatoes during this Rabi season, reports BSS.
Last season, the region produced 26 lakh 29 thousand 893 tonnes of potatoes. This year's production exceeds last year's by more than 6 lakh tonnes, setting a new regional record.
Potato production rose by 5 lakh 31 thousand 485 tonnes, or 19.69 per cent, compared to the target of 26,99,197 tonnes this season, said Rangpur Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) deputy director Md. Afzal Hossain.
Besides, potatoes were cultivated on one lakh 19 thousand 729 hectares, surpassing the target of one lakh one thousand 576 hectares by 17.88 percent. The average yield stood at 26.98 tonnes per hectare.
Farmers benefited from early exports to Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE, and other countries. Popular export varieties included 'Santa', 'Diamond', 'Kumbika Alouette', 'Asterisk', and 'Sunshine'.
However, the region's 71 cold storages, which can hold 7,32,572 tonnes, are now full. The lack of additional storage has created a surplus in local markets, pushing prices down.
In Rangpur wholesale markets, 60-kg sacks of 'Santa', 'Diamond', 'Kumarika', 'Cardinal', 'Raja', 'Granula', and 'Asterisk' varieties are selling for Tk 720 to Tk 780. Premium local varieties like 'Sheel Alu' and 'Jhau Alu' are priced higher, at Tk 1,500 to Tk 1,700 per sack.
Retail prices range from Tk 16 to Tk 18 per kg for common potatoes and Tk 30 to Tk 32 for premium varieties.
Traders and farmers say prices have fallen since March due to oversupply and limited cold storages.
Mostafa Sohrab Chowdhury Titu, former president of the Rangpur chamber, recommended expanding storage facilities, promoting agro-processing industries, and boosting exports to protect farmers' earnings.
Potato farmers Manik Mian, Isahaque Ali, Mohammad, Nur Hossain, and Mofizar Rahman urged the government to take steps to make potato farming more profitable and sustainable.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
