Farmers in five northern districts—Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari—have once again cultivated early potatoes despite carrying the burden of losses from previous seasons. Although early potato cultivation involved significant uncertainty, farmers have managed to avoid losses this year, with most of the produce being sold directly from the fields. Stable prices and strong demand have brought a sense of relief among growers.
Discussions with potato farmers in Rangpur reveal that prices for newly harvested potatoes are comparatively high, and consumers are showing a strong preference for fresh produce. As a result, farmers are receiving satisfactory prices, bringing optimism after several challenging seasons.
Harvesting of early potato varieties has already begun in Rangpur. At the start of the season, wholesalers are purchasing potatoes directly from fields at prices ranging between Tk 49 and Tk 52 per kilogram, depending on variety and quality. While demand remains strong, farmers claim that prices are lower than last year, meaning overall profits may not be substantial.
According to the Agriculture Department, a target has been set to cultivate potatoes on 9,270 hectares of land in Rangpur district this season. So far, cultivation has been completed on 4,400 hectares, including 1,060 hectares under early potato production. Harvesting has already been completed on 800 hectares of land.
Farmers said that during the same period last year, wholesale prices of new potatoes ranged between Tk 75 and Tk 85 per kilogram.
Although seed prices were lower this year, unfavorable weather conditions affected yields, reducing expected returns. However, steady demand and price stability for early potatoes have given farmers some hope.
A visit to Tulshir Hat, Purba Kachua and Sardarpara areas of Nohali and Alambidatar unions showed female laborers busy harvesting potatoes despite dense morning fog. Some were digging soil, others collecting potatoes into baskets, while some were filling sacks.
Digital weighing scales were set up beside the fields to measure the produce. Payments were made to farmers immediately after the potatoes were packed into sacks. Following the early potato harvest, many farmers are preparing their land for maize or tobacco cultivation.
Mahabbat Ali, 59, a farmer from the Tulshirhat area of Alambidatar Union, said he cultivated early potatoes on 55 decimals of land, selling them at Tk 50 per kilogram. He noted that prices were lower than last year, but lower seed costs made the season manageable.
Taybur Rahman, 45, a farmer from Purba Kachua in Nohali Union, said he cultivated the Courage variety on two bighas of land, selling it at Tk 52 per kilogram. He said some potatoes were damaged by rainfall early in the season, and lower prices would limit profits.
As news of the early potato harvest spread, traders from Dhaka and other districts have begun arriving in Rangpur. They are purchasing potatoes directly from fields and transporting them by truck to different parts of the country. Purchase prices range from Tk 48 to Tk 55 per kilogram depending on variety and quality.
Potato trader Shyamal Chandra Sarkar said he is purchasing Courage variety potatoes at Tk 52 per kilogram and transporting them directly to Dhaka after loading them from the fields.
Another trader, Majmul, said early potato cultivation is widespread in the area and current demand for new potatoes is strong, prompting traders to buy directly from farmers.
Gangachara Upazila Agriculture Officer Rubel Hossain said early potatoes have been cultivated on 60 hectares of land in the upazila. Favorable weather conditions could result in good yields, and if prices remain stable, farmers may be able to recover partially.
Additional Director of the Rangpur Agricultural Region Sirajul Islam said early potatoes have already been harvested from around 2,500 hectares across the five districts. He noted that farmers are receiving good prices, and the arrival of wholesalers from Dhaka and southern regions to buy directly from fields has boosted farmer confidence. He added that the Agriculture Department is providing various forms of support to farmers.
