DHAKA, Sept 5, 2021 (BSS) - Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque today said that all possible cooperation will be provided for the exports and processing of potatoes.

"The country currently produces more than 1 crore tonnes of potatoes a year. But potato chips and Pringles are being imported from abroad at high prices. Institutions involved in potato processing and value addition in the country need to produce quality chips, Pringles and French-fries. All possible cooperation will be provided for the export and processing of potatoes," he said.

The minister was addressing a meeting as the chief guest at the auditorium of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at Farmgate in the capital, a press release said.

The minister hoped that potato exports and processing will be increased as many improved varieties of potato have already been brought from abroad.

A lab has been set up at Shampur in the city to enhance the testing facilities of potatoes, he said, adding that another modern lab will be built in Purbachal.

The minister called upon the private sector to come forward to increase potato production and exports through contract farming by implementing Good Agricultural Practice (GAP).

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Md Mesbahul Islam presided over the programme.

Director General of Department of Agricultural Marketing Mohammed Yousuf, senior officials of the ministry of Agriculture, heads of various agencies, representatives of food products manufacturing, processing companies and organizations and representatives of the Potato and Vegetable Exporters Association were also present.