Dinajpur:Early potato cultivation is gaining momentum as farmers in Dinajpur prepare their fields and plant early varieties, aiming to bring their produce to market ahead of the main winter harvest to secure better prices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, farmers have already planted early potatoes on approximately 3,500 hectares across the district's 13 upazilas. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) anticipates the first harvest in early Agrahayan. The district has set a target to cultivate potatoes on 48,750 hectares this season, including 12,250 hectares designated for early varieties.
Deputy Director of DAE Md Afzal Hossain mentioned that farmers are expected to complete planting early varieties within the next two weeks. Farmers have been quick to prepare their fields following the harvest of short-duration Aman rice to market their potatoes before the larger winter crop supply impacts prices.
In Mahabbatpur village, farmer Nazrul Islam noted that costs have risen due to higher prices for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor. Despite these increased costs, farmers are optimistic about profiting from early potatoes, aided by favorable weather conditions that allowed for the swift transition from rice to potato cultivation.
Agricultural officials highlighted that Biral, Chirirbandar, and Birganj are key potato-producing areas in the district. Farmers are using highland plots for multiple crops rather than leaving them idle between seasons. Early varieties like Asterix and Cardinal are particularly appealing due to their profitability and suitability for the region's sandy and sandy-loam soils.
In Mahanpur village, farmer Md Abdur Rahim reported that growers are busy with seed potato preparation. Meanwhile, Chirirbandar farmers plan to expand large-scale potato cultivation following Aman rice harvest completion. Seed prices remain a concern, with Lal Pakri seeds costing around Tk 55-60 per kilogram and Cardinal seeds at Tk 50-55 per kilogram.
Farmer Md Mahamud Ali from Phulbari has increased his cultivation area from 8.5 to 12 bighas, anticipating better returns despite rising seed and labor costs. Regional Additional Director of DAE Md Riaz Uddin highlighted the region's significant potato production, with over half supplied to Dhaka and other areas, and encouraged expansion to meet growing demand.
In the coming weeks, Dinajpur farmers will be crucially transitioning fields from rice to potatoes, aiming to harvest the season's first crop before the main winter supply hits the market.