Potato Farming Falls in Bogura, Bangladesh as Losses Grow

Key Highlights

Potato acreage drops below target in Bogura
Farmers selling at BDT 9–12 per kg
Production may still cross 1.33 million tonnes
40% of last year’s stock still in cold storage

Potato farming has declined in Bogura, Bangladesh as growers struggle with repeated losses. Even though yields remain strong this season, low prices have pushed many farmers into debt. Officials say output may still meet the target, but farmers are worried about survival.

Acreage Falls, Output May Rise

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bogura grows 48 local and high-yielding potato varieties. The Asterix variety, known locally as “Stick,” is the most planted this year.

Last year, 60,435 hectares were cultivated, exceeding the target. Production reached about 1.33 million tonnes. This season, the cultivation target was 55,750 hectares. Actual farming covered 54,465 hectares, falling short by 1,285 hectares.

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So far, about 36 percent of the land has been harvested, producing nearly 400,000 tonnes. Officials believe total production may still cross the 1.33 million tonne target due to good yields.

Prices Below Cost

Despite healthy crops, market prices remain low. Early-season potatoes cost around BDT 14–16 per kg to produce. Yet farmers are selling at BDT 9–12 per kg in wholesale markets.

Md Firoz, a farmer from Ashokola village, said he spent BDT 18,000–20,000 per bigha but could not recover even half the cost last year. This year, he faces similar losses and carries a debt of BDT 30,000.

Traders are also affected. One local trader said potatoes bought at BDT 11 per kg last year and stored at a total cost of BDT 19–20 per kg are now selling below cost in the market.

Also read: Idaho Potatoes vs Russet Potatoes – What’s the Real Difference?

Storage Pressure Adds to Crisis

Bogura has 42 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of about 450,000 tonnes. Around 40 percent of last year’s potatoes remain stored. Farmers planted new crops while old stocks were still in storage, adding to supply pressure.

Officials say increased supply has kept prices down. While preservation efforts were made last year, prices did not improve.

Even with good weather and steady yields, potato farmers in Bogura are under strain. Unless prices rise or storage pressure eases, many growers may reduce cultivation further next season.