Photo: Messenger
Farmers in Bangladesh are embarking on early potato harvesting, driven by aspirations of higher profits, which could potentially lead to a decrease in total production. Simultaneously, an intense winter has sparked disease outbreaks in potato fields, amplifying fears of a decline in overall potato production this season.
The country, with a demand for nearly 9 million tons of potatoes, finds itself in a delicate situation. Despite the government reporting an excess of one million tons of potato production last year, traders state that the actual production fell short of demand. Mismanagement of government interventions in the market has contributed to higher prices, further encouraging premature harvesting by farmers.
According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the current market price for potatoes in Dhaka is Tk 60 per kilogram. Just a month ago, on December 14, the price stood at Tk 55, and in January 2023, it was Tk 25 per kilogram. Despite being one of the most viable crops in the country due to its short cultivation duration and high yield, potatoes do not translate into substantial benefits for farmers.
Reports from various districts indicate that farmers are compelled to harvest early, hoping for profitability amidst escalating market prices. This trend raises concerns about the potential disruption in the overall balance of potato production in the country, creating uncertainties about the stability of the potato market.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reveals that approximately four million hectares of land have been allocated for potato cultivation this year, with a production target of 1 crore 16 lakh tons. High-yield potatoes cover 3 lakh 93 thousand hectares, while local potatoes are cultivated on 56 thousand 505 hectares.
Typically, potato cultivation commences from early November to mid-December, with early varieties planted in November. Potatoes mature in approximately 65-75 days, and farmers initiate planting during early December. However, the premature harvesting trend, exacerbated by mismanagement of government market interventions, raises concerns about its impact on overall production.
In Dhaka's wholesale market, new potatoes are currently priced between Tk 55-65 per kilogram. Conversely, at the farmer level, potatoes are being sold at Tk 35-50 per kilogram. The influx of smaller-sized potatoes, harvested prematurely, contributes to market imbalances.
Bogura, a major potato-producing region, witnessed, farmers in various upazilas lifting potatoes prematurely due to the anticipation of higher prices. Additionally, potato fields in the region are grappling with late blight, leaf roll, and potato blight diseases. Despite regular pesticide applications, farmers like Sakib Hasan Hridoy from Shibganj Upazila express concerns about the persistent challenges, casting shadows on the potato production outlook.
Bogura potato farmer Sirajul Islam voices his worries as his potato fields battle leaf disease. Despite five days of pesticide spraying, positive results remain elusive, posing a threat to the entire crop's well-being. The prolonged infestation could potentially hinder potato growth, impacting both size and overall yield.
Sohel M. Shamsuddin Firoz, Acting Deputy Director of the Bogura Regional Office of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), informed The Daily Messenger that farmers in Bogura are encountering various challenges in potato cultivation due to adverse weather conditions. The DAE advises the consistent use of approved pesticides to tackle these issues, emphasizing the crucial role of favorable weather conditions in mitigating problems associated with potato farming.
Abul Hossen, a farmer from Bogura Sadar, planted early-season potatoes on 3 bighas of land. He has commenced the harvest of immature potatoes after just 55 days of planting, aiming to capitalise on the prevailing high market prices.
In another key potato-producing region, Rangpur, agricultural entrepreneur Faridul Islam observes that many farmers, lured by the prospect of quick profits, are prematurely harvesting small-sized potatoes. Despite the notable price increase, the compromised yield raises concerns. Despite fetching higher prices, the reduced overall production is likely to have adverse effects on the market.
It is known that one kilogram of mature potatoes consists of approximately 6-10 potatoes. However, in the case of immature potatoes, it takes around 15-20 potatoes to make up one kilogram. Smaller-sized potatoes are more prevalent in the market. Due to favorable prices, farmers are harvesting and selling their produce earlier. Potatoes that used to be sold at 10-12 taka per kilogram are now being marketed at 55-60 taka.
The annual demand for potatoes in the country is approximately 7.5-8 million tons. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, nearly 25% of locally produced potatoes are lost in Bangladesh due to various reasons. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), in the last fiscal year, the country produced 1 crore 4 lakh 31 thousand tons of potatoes. In the preceding fiscal year 2021-22, the production was 1 crore 44 thousand 835 tons, and in 2020-21, it was 98 lakh 87 thousand 242 tons. According to experts, considering production losses, the country experiences a loss of approximately 26-27 lakh tons of potatoes each year. This discrepancy makes the demand and production of potatoes in the country almost equal.
Bogura, Rangpur and Mushiganj correspondents assisted in writing this report
Messenger/Disha
