Jaldhaka farmers plant early potatoes for higher profits

JALDHAKA, NILPHAMARI, Oct 30: Small and medium-scale farmers in Jaldhaka Upazila of the district are busy planting early-season potatoes, hoping to earn higher profits by bringing their crops to market ahead of the main harvest.

Farmers are collecting seed potatoes from cold storage, preparing fields, removing weeds and applying fertilisers. After harvesting short-duration Aush and Aman paddies, they are using the same land for early potato cultivation.

The agriculture-dependent region has fertile loamy and sandy loamy soil suitable for growing a variety of crops. Potatoes have long been cultivated in Jaldhaka, with produce shipped to markets across the country.

This year, farmers plan to cultivate potatoes on 4,500 hectares of land, up from 4,100 hectares last year, according to local sources.

Shahinur, a farmer from Rathbazar Village in Kaimari Union, said he earned a good return last year after selling potatoes grown on 2 acres of land for Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kilogram. “This time, we are planting seven varieties of potatoes that can be harvested in 55 to 60 days on more than 4 acres of land,” he said.

Tariqul, a farmer from Balapara Village in the same union, said the area’s elevated, sandy soil drains quickly, reducing the risk of water-logging after heavy rain.

Although the area experienced heavy rainfall recently, the soil has dried, allowing farmers to begin planting early, he said.

Tariqul is working with his family to plant potatoes, hoping for a better harvest and higher profits than last year.

Mojibur Rahman, a farmer from the Gabrol area, said he had planted potatoes on 4 bighas of land. He said early-harvested potatoes could fetch Tk 60 to Tk 70 per kilogram. Last year, he earned a profit of more than Tk 30,000 per bigha after selling potatoes for Tk 60 per kilogram.

Paritosh, another farmer from Rathbazar, has planted potatoes on 4 bighas, citing the area’s sandy soil and favourable drainage as reasons for planting early.

Alam Hossain, a farmer from Kutipara Village in Dauabari Union, said he harvested 39 sacks of potatoes from 3 bighas last year. After selling the crop for Tk 60 per kilogram, he made a profit of Tk 1.50 lakh after expenses, he said. This year, he has expanded cultivation to 5 bighas following the paddy harvest.

Ripon Islam, a farmer from Kishamat Battala Village in Khutama Union, said he planned to grow early potatoes on 11 bighas. He expected to complete planting the remaining 7 bighas within a few days and harvest the crop in 58 to 60 days if the weather remained favourable. If market prices hold, he expects a profit of Tk 5 lakh to Tk 6 lakh from the 11 bighas after accounting for fertiliser, seed, transportation, and labour costs.

In the same area, Momtaz Ali and Abdul Jabbar are planting potatoes on 6 and 13 bighas, respectively. They said early harvesting could help them secure higher prices in major urban markets, including Dhaka and other divisional cities.

Abdul Jabbar said farmers were planting varieties including Granola, Sakita and Karez Ozam Plus in hopes of maximising returns.

The Agriculture Department has set a target of cultivating potatoes on more than 4,000 hectares in Jaldhaka this season, with an expected yield of 12 metric tons per hectare.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Mizanur Rahman said the area’s soil and weather conditions were well-suited to early potato cultivation.

Farmers are expected to expand cultivation by 400 hectares compared with last year, he said, adding that agricultural extension officers are advising growers on cultivation methods.

Mizanur Rahman said potatoes produced in Jaldhaka are transported to markets in different parts of the country. If favourable weather and market prices continue, the expanded cultivation could help farmers increase their incomes and improve their livelihoods.