Dhaka: Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin today emphasized the need for collective efforts to diversify potato products and enhance their utilisation, citing the crop's huge export potential. Bashir made the call at the closing ceremony of Potato Festival-2025 held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital. Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) organised the first ever potato exhibition in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bashir highlighted that Bangladesh could not become competitive in the global market in this regard. He noted that while last year saw high prices for potatoes, this year the prices have dropped to Taka 20 per kg, presenting its own set of challenges. He urged all stakeholders to work together to diversify potato products and increase exports, as detailed in a press release.
Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, speaking at the event, appreciated the organizers for spotlighting an agricultural product like the potato. Rahman noted that Bangladesh produces around 1.14 lakh tons of potatoes against a domestic demand of 90 lakh tons, indicating a production surplus that necessitates diversification. He pointed out that this year's price drop resulted from an inability to export and stressed the importance of creating global demand for Bangladeshi potatoes.
Mahbubur also mentioned the government's readiness to provide policy support for potato exports. However, he warned that cash incentives would not increase after the current year and advised against the use of unnecessary fertilizers, which elevate production costs.
BCSA President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu stated that 66 local and international organizations participated in the festival, showcasing innovations in modern potato farming tools, advanced cold storage technology, processing and value addition, export solutions, cold-chain systems, agricultural machinery, and diverse potato-based food products. He emphasized the economic potential of quality potato production, noting that production costs in Bangladesh are Taka 6 to Taka 7 higher than in Pakistan and India and called for farmer training.
The expo attracted more than 2000 visitors, and ten farmers were honored for their contributions. Farmer Anisur Rahman from Joypurhat advocated for similar expos at the upazila level and expressed the need for seeds of exportable potatoes.
Other speakers included Miss Shao, Chairwoman of the Board of Bohui Group, China, and Mohammad Yunus, Vice President of BCSA, along with Ataus Sopan Malik, managing director of AR Malik Seeds Pvt Ltd.