Photo: Messenger
Farmers in Lalmonirhat are facing significant challenges as they prepare for this year’s potato cultivation season. With a target set for cultivating 6,500 hectares of land, only 2,200 hectares have been planted so far. Escalating prices of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor have doubled production costs, leaving many farmers concerned about the future. As the country debates rising potato prices, a new challenge looms: a severe shortage of potato seeds.
Additionally, price manipulation in fertilizers, price hikes in pesticides, and other essentials are driving up production costs. The scarcity of good quality seeds have led many farmers to consider abandoning potato cultivation altogether, raising concerns about achieving the production target and potential market manipulations.
Despite these obstacles, favorable weather has encouraged farmers to remain hopeful. After harvesting short-term Aman paddy, many are now preparing their fields for potato cultivation, applying fertilizers, procuring seeds from cold storage, and sowing. However, farmers warn that without fair prices for their produce, increased costs could result in significant financial losses.
The Department of Agriculture in Lalmonirhat has acknowledged the challenges, stating that the production target may be at risk due to high costs and seed shortages. Efforts are underway to address these issues, including monitoring market activities and ensuring the availability of quality seeds and necessary inputs. Officials believe that if adequate measures are taken, the country’s demand for potatoes can be met at reasonable prices.
Currently, Lalmonirhat requires 12,844 metric tons of potato seeds. While the government has set the price at 68 BDT per kilogram, seeds are being sold at 80–85 BDT per kilogram in the market. Additionally, imported seed potatoes are priced as high as 604 BDT per kilogram. Farmers are struggling with these rising costs. Khadimul Islam, a farmer from Hatibandha upazila, shared his concerns:
“I had planned to cultivate potatoes on nearly four acres of land, but the current seed shortage makes it uncertain whether I’ll be able to proceed this season.”
Similarly, Fazlur Rahman, a farmer from Mahishkhocha in Aditmari upazila, noted:
Compared to last year, the price of potato seeds has increased significantly, along with other agricultural inputs. This has left me worried about cultivating potatoes this year.
Dr. Md. Saikhul Arifin, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Lalmonirhat, explained:
The primary issue is the gap between the demand and supply of potato seeds. Additionally, there is little distinction between seed potatoes and table potatoes in the market. Many local farmers use their own stored potatoes as seeds and are not facing a shortage. However, a group of traders has hoarded seeds, causing price hikes. The overall shortage is due to insufficient production compared to demand.
Messenger/Akidul/JRTarek
