Farmers in Munshiganj are expecting a good potato harvest this season.Photo: BSS

MUNSHIGANJ, March 9, 2026 (BSS): Farmers in Munshiganj are expecting a good potato harvest this season as the crop condition remains favourable, though many believe that timely rainfall in the coming days could significantly boost production.

Potato, the district's main cash crop, makes Munshiganj the third-highest potato-producing district in the country. According to the District Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the cultivation target this season was set at 34,655 hectares, while farmers have slightly exceeded it by bringing 34,660 hectares of land under potato farming.

Among the upazilas, Munshiganj Sadar has the highest cultivation area with 9,581 hectares, followed by Tongibari with 9,070 hectares, Sirajdikhan with 8,958 hectares, Louhajang with 3,109 hectares, Gazaria with 1,998 hectares and Srinagar with 1,944 hectares.

The production target for the current season has been set at 10,045,195 metric tons. Last season, potatoes were cultivated on 34,758 hectares of land, producing around 12 lakh metric tons.

Farmers said the crop has grown well so far due to favourable weather conditions and the absence of major pest attacks or natural disasters. However, prolonged dry weather has become a concern as the harvesting period approaches.

Md Roni, a farmer from Sonarang village in Tongibari upazila, said he cultivated potatoes on five and a half kani of land this year and the plants are currently in good condition.

"If rainfall occurs within the next seven to ten days, the yield may increase further as the plants have already developed several potatoes," he said.

Another farmer, Ajmir Hossain from Amghata area in Munshiganj Sadar upazila, said a lack of rainfall could force farmers to rely on irrigation.

"If rain does not come within 10 to 12 days, we will have to irrigate the fields, which will increase production costs," he said, adding that natural rainfall could help improve the yield while reducing expenses.

Farmers also noted that production costs have declined this year compared to the previous season due to relatively lower prices of fertilizers and seeds. They expressed hope that a stable market without syndicate influence would help them recover losses incurred last year.

Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department Dr Md Habibur Rahman said the overall crop condition remains satisfactory and the production target could be achieved if favourable weather continues.

He said farmers in the district traditionally use water hyacinth and rice straw during planting to retain soil moisture, which reduces the need for frequent irrigation.

To support sustainable potato farming, the government has introduced several initiatives this season, including block-based demonstrations in 206 blocks through the Khamari App to promote balanced fertilizer use.

In addition, potatoes suitable for processing and export have been cultivated on 6,783 hectares of land in Munshiganj this year as part of efforts to expand value-added production and strengthen market opportunities for farmers.