As the newly harvested potatoes flood the local wholesale and retail markets in Kurigram, farmers are experiencing a windfall in prices. Photo: Messenger
Farmers in Kurigram district are celebrating a successful cultivation of early variety potatoes in the current Robi season, reaping the rewards of their hard work as they harvest and sell their produce in local markets at satisfactory prices.
The majority of farmers in the district chose to cultivate potatoes immediately after the Aman harvest on the same land. They dedicated themselves to the careful nurturing of the crops, employing meticulous care including pesticide spraying, resulting in the rapid growth of the potato plants. Two main varieties, ufshi and the local variety, have been cultivated across the region.
According to official sources from the Kurigram Department of Agriculture Extension, an impressive 7000 hectares of land have been earmarked for potato cultivation in the current Robi season. The distribution across the nine upazilas reveals a comprehensive plan, with 945 hectares for ufshi and 40 hectares for the local variety in Kurigram Sadar upazila, 840 hectares for ufshi and 190 hectares for the local variety in Ulipur upazila, and similar allocations in other upazilas, showcasing a strategic approach to maximize yield.
The projected production targets are equally ambitious, with an average yield of 26.70 metric tons per hectare for ufshi and 14.00 metric tons per hectare for the local variety. The district aims to achieve a total production of 2.84 lakh tons of potatoes during the current Rabi season, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the local farming community.
As the newly harvested potatoes flood the local wholesale and retail markets, farmers are experiencing a windfall in prices. Mahbub, a 61-year-old potato buyer from Dakbanglapara in Kurigram municipality area, shared his enthusiasm, stating that he purchased the latest batch at Tk 60 per kg. The lucrative market prices are bringing smiles to the faces of farmers, who see their efforts translating into tangible economic gains.
Nuruzzaman Bepari, a 58-year-old farmer from Shibram village under Kathalbari union of Kurigram Sadar upazila, expressed optimism about the season, having cultivated potatoes on his five bighas of land. He is hopeful for a better profit, reflecting the positive sentiments resonating among the farming community.
Agriculturist Abdul Mazid emphasized the collaborative efforts of field-level officials, experts, and relevant organizations. They have been actively providing essential instructions to farmers, ensuring the success of the upcoming farming endeavors.
Kurigram district, farmers’ hard work has paid off with a bountiful harvest of early variety potatoes during the current Robi season. The distribution strategy across nine upazilas showcases a comprehensive plan aimed at maximizing yield.
The farmers’ efforts have translated into economic gains, reflected in lucrative market prices, fostering optimism and positive sentiments within the farming community. This success exemplifies agriculture’s potential as an economic catalyst, benefiting farmers and the wider community.
The collective dedication and strategic planning in Kurigram district stand as a shining example of how agriculture can be a powerful catalyst for economic growth, benefiting both individual farmers and the community at large.
Messenger/Fameema
