ZCZC
BSS-51
RAZZAQUE-POTATOES
Country produces over 1cr tons of potato annually: Razzaque
DHAKA, Jan 27, 2021 (BSS) – Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur
Razzaque today said that at present more than one crore tons of
improved variety of potato are being produced annually in the country.
“At present over one crore tons of improved variety of potato are
being produced annually in the country against the demand of 60-70
lakh tons,” he said while visiting the farm of Bangladesh Agricultural
Development Corporation (BADC) in Domar upazila of Nilphamari.
Due to the high content of water in the potato produced in the
country, the demand abroad is less, he said, adding that therefore,
considering the demand of foreign, importance is being given to
increase cultivation and production of potato for export and
industrial usage.
Besides, the minister also visited potato plots, museum of potato
crop, dragon and date orchards which are cultivated for export and
industrial usage.
Under BADC’s ‘Quality Seed Potato Production and Preservation and
Strengthening Distribution at Farmer Level’ project, potato seeds are
being produced at Domar Farm.
Besides, trial plots are being set up and monitored to test the
suitability of new varieties.
Under the project, used or certified seeds of potato are being
produced at the farmer level through contract farmers in 28 zones
across the country.
Agriculture Secretary Md Mesbahul Islam and Director General of
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Md Asadullah were present,
among others, on the occasion.
BSS/PR/SRH/MRU/2155hrs