JALDHAKA, NILPHAMARI, Nov 28: Farmers in Jaldhaka Upazila of the district are spending busy days cultivating potatoes, one of the region's long-established cash crops.
The people of Jaldhaka largely depend on agriculture for their livelihood, growing various crops in the fertile loamy and sandy soils of the area. Among these, potato cultivation has been a consistent source of income for local farmers, and the produce from this region reaches markets across the country.
A recent field visit revealed that after harvesting short-duration Aus and Aman paddy in Bhadra-Ashwin months, farmers have been preparing their fields for early potato planting. The enthusiasm in the fields is evident as farmers clean weeds, prepare the soil, collect seeds, and apply fertilizers, hoping for higher profits this season. Early potato planting is seen as an opportunity for double gains, especially if the harvest reaches the market ahead of the season.
Many marginal and medium-level farmers have become self-reliant through annual potato cultivation. This year, favorable conditions have allowed them to complete Aman paddy harvesting and turn their focus to early potato cultivation. In several fields, the sowing of early "Seven" variety potatoes, which can be harvested within 50-55 days, is already underway. Farmers are aware that earlier harvesting translates to higher market prices and greater profit.
According to the Jaldhaka Upazila Agriculture Office, this year's target for potato cultivation is 4,500 hectares, up from 4,100 hectares last year-an increase of 400 hectares.
Farmers in different unions shared their experiences. Shahinur, a grower from Rathbazar Village in Koymari Union, said, "Last year, after harvesting paddy from two acres, I sold potatoes at Tk 80-100 per kg and doubled my profit. This year, I have planted early Seven variety potatoes on over four acres."
Another farmer, Tarikul, noted that the high, sandy soil in the region prevents major losses even during heavy rainfall. Mojibur Rahman from Gabrol Union said he planted potatoes on four bighas of land and expects to sell the early harvest at Tk 60-70 per kg. Last year, he earned over Tk 30,000 per bigha from similar planting. Another farmer, Poritosh from Rathbazar, added that the high sandy lands here reduce the risk of natural disasters, encouraging early cultivation.
Alam Hossain from Kutipara Village, Dowabari Union, shared that last year he earned Tk 150,000 from three bighas. This year, he has planted potatoes on five bighas after the paddy harvest. Ripon Islam from Kishamat Botola village is preparing 11 bighas for early planting, with four bighas already planted with Seven variety potatoes.
Abdul Jabbar said, "The earlier the potatoes are harvested, the better the market price. That's why farmers are investing in early varieties like Seven, Granula, Sakita, Karej, and Ozam Plus to maximize profits."
The Agriculture Office aims to cultivate over 4,000 hectares this year, with expected production of 12 tons per hectare.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Mizanur Rahman said, "The soil and climate here are very suitable for early potato cultivation. Farmers usually double their profits through this crop. We are providing guidance to help them achieve better yields."
