Early potato farming gains momentum in Nilphamari

NILPHAMARI, Oct 6: Farmers in Kishoreganj Upazila of Nilphamari are busy cultivating early potatoes, hoping to fetch high prices by bringing the new crop to market before winter.

They started planting potatoes on high land soon after harvesting Aman paddy, expecting to harvest the crop early and sell it at a good price.

Many farmers incurred losses last season as potato prices remained low. Seeking to recover those losses, they have started cultivation early this year, taking advantage of favourable weather, relatively lower seed prices and normal fertiliser supplies.

Nilphamari is an agriculture-dependent district, where fertile loamy and sandy-loam soils support the cultivation of various crops. Kishoreganj Upazila, however, has long been known for early potato farming. Farmers there try to bring potatoes to the market before winter to take advantage of relatively higher prices.

Farmers said early potatoes could fetch up to Tk 100 a kilogramme if weather conditions remain favourable. The locally popular Seven variety can be harvested within 50 to 60 days of planting. Growing demand and comparatively high prices for new potatoes are encouraging more farmers to cultivate the crop early.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found farmers planting potatoes after harvesting early Aman paddy in fields across Bahagili, Nitai, Putimari, Garagram and Ranchandi unions.

Some had already finished planting, while others were preparing their land. The activity has increased demand for farm labourers as well as daily wages.

Syedur Islam, a farmer from Uttar Durakuti Paschimpara Village in Bahagili Union, said he was cultivating early potatoes on 70 decimals of land this year.

“From land lease and ploughing to labour and other agricultural inputs, the total cost may reach Tk 80,000-90,000 by the time I harvest the potatoes. If market prices remain favourable, I may sell them for Tk 90-100 a kilogramme,” he said.

Saiful Islam, another farmer from the same area, said he had suffered a considerable loss per bigha last year.

“I am cultivating early potatoes this year to recover that loss. If there is no natural disaster, I hope to get a good yield and a high price,” he said.

Mansur Ali, a farmer in Putimari Union, said early potato cultivation was a regular practice in the upazila.

“I have planted potatoes on two bighas this year. I bought potatoes from a cold storage facility and am using them as seed. The cost has been somewhat higher, but I hope to make a profit if prices remain good,” he said.

Kishoreganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Lokman Alam said the agriculture department had set a target of cultivating early potatoes on 4,100 hectares this season.
“We are working to provide farmers with necessary advice and ensure the supply of fertiliser. If weather conditions remain favourable, farmers are expected to benefit from good market prices,” he said.