Photo: BSS

By Kalam Azad

BOGURA, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - Despite failing to secure desired prices last 
season, farmers in the district have cultivated potatoes on a large scale 
during the current season, hoping for better yields and fair market prices. 

After completing planting activities in November and December, farmers are 
now busy with irrigation, fertilization, weeding and soil management in the 
fields.

The potato fields across Bogura, widely known as a major agricultural hub, 
are covered with fresh green plants, creating optimism among farmers. 
However, rising production costs have increased concerns, prompting growers 
to demand government intervention to ensure fair prices through direct 
procurement.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the potato 
cultivation target for the district this season has been set on 55,750 
hectares of land, around 5,000 hectares more than last year. Potato 
harvesting usually begins in January and continues until the first week of 
March.

Nearly 30 varieties of potatoes are being cultivated in the district, 
including Pakri, Asterix, Cardinal, Diamond and Granola. Production costs 
range between Taka 35,000 and Taka 42,000 per bigha, while yields vary from 
60 to 120 maunds per bigha, depending on the variety.

Large-scale potato cultivation is going on in almost all upazilas of the 
district, notably Shibganj, Nandigram and Shajahanpur. Meanwhile, early 
varieties of potatoes have already reached local markets and are selling at 
prices between Taka 30 and Taka 40 per kilogram.

Farmers expressed concern over market uncertainty. Abdul Karim, a farmer from 
Shibganj upazila, said that prices were disappointing last year, while the 
cost of seeds, fertilizers and labor has risen sharply this season. "Even if 
production is good, we will suffer losses without a fair price. Government 
purchase of potatoes would benefit us," he said.

Rafiqul Islam, a farmer from Nandigram, said that more than Taka 40,000 has 
been spent per bigha this season. "Without a reasonable market price, it is 
difficult to recover the cost. Direct government procurement would protect us 
from middlemen," he added.

Echoing similar concerns, Mostafizur Rahman of Shajahanpur upazila said that 
although farmers are hopeful for a good yield, there is always fear of a 
price drop during bumper production. "A government purchasing system is 
essential to ensure fair prices," he said.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bogura, 
agriculturist Sohel Mohammad Shamsuddin Firoz said farmers are being advised 
on cultivating improved and export-quality potato varieties. "Along with 
disease and pest control, the department is also working on increasing 
production and improving market management," he added.

He further said Bogura produces around 12 lakh metric tons of potatoes 
annually, meeting local demand and supplying potatoes to various parts of the 
country, including the capital.