Potato production is declining, farmers are at a loss

Potato, one of the most popular crops in Bangladesh, is now becoming a curse rather than a blessing for farmers. Once, potatoes were a symbol of profitable farming, but now potato production is declining, and with it the burden of production costs and losses is increasing.

A field visit to different districts of the country shows that there is no longer the previous interest in potato cultivation. On the one hand, farmers are disappointed due to the decline in production; on the other hand, there is instability in the market.

In this report, we will know why potato production is declining, what problems farmers are facing, and what possible solutions.

Current picture of potato production in Bangladesh

Bangladesh used to produce about one crore tons of potatoes every year, which used to meet domestic demand and also contribute to exports. But in recent years, this amount has seen a significant decline. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, production has decreased by an average of 10-15% in the last three years.

According to experts, climate change, diseases, shortage of quality seeds, and excessive production costs are the main reasons for this crisis.

Why is potato production declining?

1. Impact of climate change

Potato is a winter crop. But in recent years, Bangladesh’s winters have become shorter and more uncertain. Due to the increase in temperature, plant growth is being hampered, and yields are also decreasing.

2. Crisis of quality seeds

In potato cultivation in the country, most farmers still use the previous year’s potato seeds themselves. This spoils the quality of the seeds and increases the transmission of diseases. Agricultural experts say that if certified seeds are not used, the yield can be reduced by 20–25%.

3. Attack of diseases

In the last few years, late blight and early blight diseases have caused huge damage to potato cultivation. Many farmers are facing major losses due to a lack of knowledge of proper pesticides or disease control methods.

4. Increase in production costs

The cost of fertilizer, labor wages, and land rental costs has increased significantly compared to before. The farmer’s cost of producing one kilogram of potatoes is now 15–18 taka, but they are being sold for 10–12 taka. As a result, farmers are not making profits but rather losing money.

Farmer’s experience: Reality emerging from the field

Hafizul Islam, a potato farmer from Rangpur district, said,
“Earlier, I used to cultivate potatoes on 50 bighas of land. Now I have done it on 20 bighas. I am not as motivated as before because the price is not right.”

Another farmer from Dinajpur said,
“The money I get from selling potatoes does not cover my expenses. Even if I do not cultivate the land, I will lose. Now I am in doubt.”

These experiences show that in reality, potato production is not only decreasing in quantity, it is also taking the form of a socio-economic crisis.

Read more:- Tomato Crisis: Pakistan Reels After Afghan Border Closure

Economic impact: Market and consumer aspects

If potato production decreases, its impact is not only on farmers but also on consumers.

• The price of potatoes increases in the local market.
• The supply in the wholesale market decreases.
• The amount of potatoes stored in cold storage decreases, resulting in further price increases during the off-season.
• Exports decrease, which also reduces the opportunity to earn foreign exchange.

This situation is also sending a worrying signal for the country’s food security and economy.

Where is the solution?

Experts and agricultural officials believe that the situation can be brought under control now if some important steps are taken.

1. Quality seed production and supply

It is important to produce high-quality seeds at the government level and make them easily available to farmers.

2. Use of modern agricultural technology

If drip irrigation, smart farming, and disease control technology are used in potato production, it is possible to increase the yield.

3. Modern system for storing agricultural products

If proper cold storage facilities are increased, farmers can sell potatoes during the off-season and get a fair price.

4. Ensuring fair prices

If the government helps farmers by fixing the purchase price, interest in farming will increase.

5. Increasing training and awareness

Farmers need to be regularly trained on disease control, new varieties of potatoes, and proper fertilizer application.

Potatoes are very important for Bangladesh’s food security and agro-based economy. But potato production is decreasing, which is a cause for concern for farmers and the country. This crisis could deepen if the right steps are not taken in time.
If sustainable agricultural practices can be introduced through coordinated efforts by the government, agricultural organizations, and researchers, then potatoes can once again become a source of income and a symbol of pride for Bangladeshi farmers.