DAE targets 37.72 lakh tonnes potatoes in Rajshahi as farmers expand cultivation with optimism. Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Nov 19, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set the potato production target for the Rajshahi division at 37.72 lakh tonnes from 1,56,620 hectares of land for the 2025-2026 Rabi season.

Dr. Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of DAE told BSS, in this season Rajshahi Agricultural Zone aims to produce 1.40 lakh tonnes from 58,440 hectares, while the Bogura zone targets 23.67 lakh tonnes from 98,380 hectares. The department has adopted various measures to ensure achievement of the production target.

Farmers across the division have already started preparations for potato cultivation. 

Ershad Mondal, a farmer from Duary village under Paba Upazila, plans to cultivate potatoes on around 100 bighas.

 Another farmer Kazi Rashidul Islam of Mohanpur is cultivating on 300 bighas and will collect 300 tonnes of seeds, using 100 tonnes for his own cultivation.

Also farmer Abdul Awal of Mundumala under Tanore has leased 85 bighas for potato farming this season.

Land preparation and seed sowing activities are expected to begin in full swing after harvesting transplanted aman paddy.

Farmers in the Barind area and Tanore and Godagari Upazilas are increasingly opting for potato cultivation instead of Boro paddy due to its lower irrigation requirements, said Mijanur Rahman, a deep-tube-well operator in Krishnapur village.

Officials and farmers are optimistic about the season's yield, citing favorable weather and availability of quality seeds. 

Agriculture Officer Abdul Mannan said no major natural calamities are expected that could damage crops. Farmer Abdur Rahim of Bargachhi village said both acreage and yield have increased, with potatoes being cultivated on 150 bighas by him and his sons.

However, the shortage of cold storage facilities is creating challenges, forcing some farmers to sell their crops at low prices. Potato farming has expanded across dried lands of the Barind tract with the support of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA).

Dr. Azizur Rahman also told BSS, officials, experts, and relevant organizations are providing guidance to farmers to enhance production.

Farmers emphasized that potato farming could become more profitable if adequate storage facilities are ensured, potato-based agro-industries are established, and exports are increased.