Despite a bumper potato harvest in Bogra this season, farmers are struggling due to low market prices. They have expressed frustration as selling potatoes below production cost has resulted in losses of Tk 5–6 per kilogram.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Bogra, a target was set to cultivate potatoes on 55,750 hectares of land this season. However, potatoes were cultivated on 54,465 hectares. Around 20 varieties of potatoes—including Lal Pakri, Asterix, Cardinal, Diamond, and Granola—were cultivated across the district. Potatoes planted in November and December were harvested between January and March.
In 2025, the district exceeded its cultivation target, planting potatoes on 60,435 hectares—5,375 hectares more than planned—and producing 1,335,770 metric tons against a target of 1,199,910 metric tons. Favourable weather contributed to both increased acreage and higher yields.
Farmers and agricultural officials say that cultivating potatoes on one bigha of land now costs between Tk 70,000 and Tk 80,000. Seed alone accounts for Tk 25,000–30,000, while fertilizers and pesticides cost an additional Tk 15,000–18,000. Labour expenses from planting to harvesting range from Tk 12,000–15,000, with irrigation and other costs adding Tk 8,000–10,000. Transportation, sorting, and miscellaneous expenses contribute another Tk 5,000–7,000.
With good yields, farmers harvest 75–85 maunds of potatoes per bigha. However, current wholesale market prices range between Tk 8 and Tk 12 per kilogram, resulting in total sales of Tk 50,000–60,000 per bigha. This leaves a deficit of Tk 15,000–25,000 per bigha.
Bogra has 52 cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of over 6 lakh tons, along with more than 60 non-refrigerated storage units. However, due to low market prices, farmers are not benefiting significantly from these storage options.
Farmers said that production costs stand at Tk 15–16 per kilogram, while market prices hover between Tk 9 and Tk 12. In many cases, they are unable to recover even their initial investment. Similar losses were experienced last year.
Growers are calling for government intervention, including direct procurement and export initiatives. They believe that if the government purchases potatoes for storage or export, market prices would stabilize, ensuring fair returns.
Sirajul Haque, a farmer from Gokul in Bogra Sadar, said rising costs of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, along with high storage expenses, have forced them to sell at low prices. Mizanur Rahman, a farmer from Gujia in Shibganj upazila, added that despite good yields, the lack of fair prices has resulted in losses of Tk 5–6 per kilogram.
Sohail Md Shamsuddin Firoz, Deputy Director of Bogra DAE, said farmers are being encouraged to diversify into crops such as maize and mustard to reduce risks and production costs.