Potato farmers and traders in Rangpur staged a day-long hunger strike and protest in front of the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner’s Office on Wednesday, demanding fair pricing for potatoes and protesting a sharp increase in cold storage rental charges.
More than 300 farmers joined the protest, alleging that cold storage owners had unilaterally raised the rent to Tk 450 per 50-kg sack without prior notice. They described the decision as unfair and financially damaging, demanding that the rate be reduced to Tk 250 per sack. Farmers also claimed that the actual storage cost is only Tk 100–150 per sack.
The protesters said they are facing severe losses as production costs stand at Tk 25–26 per kilogram, while market prices have fallen to Tk 14–15 per kilogram. They called for government intervention, including export opportunities and subsidies, to stabilize the sector.
Taibur Rahman said the increased storage fee would worsen the financial crisis for farmers in Rangpur, widely known as the country’s ‘potato capital,’ producing over 3 million tons annually.
Later in the afternoon, the hunger strike was withdrawn after Ruhul Amin assured the protesters that their demands would be considered. Officials then provided refreshments, formally ending the demonstration.
Farmers warned that if their demands are not met, they will launch a stricter movement from July 15.
