Prices of newly harvested potatoes have increased sharply in Dinajpur due to the supply crisis caused by severe cold. Over the past few days, prices of new potatoes have surged drastically, forcing ordinary consumers to turn to old potatoes as their only affordable option.
Within just two days, retail prices of new potatoes in the district have shot up by Tk 10 to Tk 25 per kilogram. The Staris-7 variety is now selling at Tk 30 per kg, up from Tk 15 only two days ago. Local round potatoes are being sold at Tk 35 to Tk 45 per kg, while white Challisha potatoes are priced at around Tk 40 per kg.
Different varieties of new potatoes are being sold at grocery shops, ranging from Tk 40 to Tk 60 per kg. In contrast, old potatoes remain stable at just Tk 12 per kg, offering some relief to consumers.
There are three main reasons behind the price hike. According to the Dinajpur Meteorological Office, the district has been experiencing a mild cold wave for the past seven days. The intense cold has prevented labourers from working in the potato fields.
Due to severe cold and dense fog, farmers are struggling to harvest early varieties of potatoes, resulting in a significant drop in supply. Moreover, a large portion of the harvested potatoes is being transported directly to Dhaka by truck, creating a shortage in local markets.
Afsar, a farmer from Ghughudanga, said they are selling potatoes from the field at a maximum of Tk 20 per kg, but prices double by the time the produce reaches the market. “The price keeps rising. Farmers are not profiting from potato cultivation,” he added.
As new potato prices move beyond consumers’ reach, middle- and lower-income families are now relying solely on old potatoes priced at Tk 12 per kg. Hussain Ali, a customer at Bahadur Bazar in the town, said, “With the price of new potatoes so high, I bought five kilograms of old potatoes for Tk 60.”
Wholesale trader Asgar Ali said many retailers are being forced to keep their shops closed due to inadequate supply. “Large traders are sending whatever they collect to Dhaka to meet demand there. As a result, local demand is being met mainly with old potatoes,” he said.