Potato farmers in the northern regions continue to struggle under the lingering effects of last year’s market collapse. Sudden price drops left many growers heavily indebted, with widespread financial losses. Despite government promises of assistance over three months ago, most affected farmers have yet to receive any support. As the new planting season begins, uncertainty over livelihoods is once again rising sharply.
In November last year, the Ministry of Agriculture announced special compensation measures for farmers impacted by the price crash. At the time, agricultural advisors and local officials repeatedly assured journalists that support would be distributed promptly. In practice, however, very few farmers have actually received any aid. Although local agricultural offices submitted beneficiary lists, delays in approval from the Ministry of Finance have prevented disbursement.
In August, the government pledged to purchase 50,000 tonnes of potatoes directly to stabilise market prices and ensure fair returns for farmers. This plan, however, has yet to materialise. Simultaneously, a minimum warehouse price of 22 taka per kilogram was established, yet farmers report rarely receiving this rate. As a result, thousands of tonnes of potatoes remain in storage, at risk of spoilage.
Rising production costs have further complicated the situation. Prices for fertilisers and pesticides have increased, and the presence of old stock alongside new harvests has driven market prices below production costs. Agricultural experts warn that delayed government purchases, slow implementation of minimum price policies, and postponed compensation have deepened the crisis.
Potato Production and Market Data
| District | Cultivated Area (ha) | Production (tonnes) | Market Price (taka/kg) | Production Cost (taka/kg) | Estimated Loss per Bigha (taka) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogura | 90,000 | 1,000,000 | 8–12 | 14–18 | 15,000–25,000 |
| Joypurhat | 65,000 | 630,000 | 12–15 | 14–18 | 15,000–20,000 |
| Rangpur | 90,000 | 900,000 | 4–6 | 15–16 | 9,000–11,000 |
| Sirajganj | 45,000 | 480,000 | 12–15 | 14–16 | 12,000–20,000 |
| Naogaon | 50,000 | 550,000 | 12–15 | 14–18 | 15,000–22,000 |
Despite increased production, market prices remain below production costs, resulting in significant losses per bigha. Farmers in Joypurhat, Naogaon, Sirajganj, and Rangpur often sell potatoes at just 4–15 taka per kilogram, with surplus crops frequently left in fields or used as animal feed. Warehouse owners have demanded half of storage fees in advance, reflecting the intensity of the market crisis.
Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Md. Abdur Rahim, stated that beneficiary lists for compensation have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance. He emphasised that timely disbursement would partially alleviate farmers’ financial losses.
Economists estimate that losses from two potato seasons in three northern districts could reach 12–15 billion taka. Agricultural economist Dr. Jahangir Alam warned, “Farmers have not yet recovered from past losses, and new challenges are already emerging. Announcements alone are insufficient; prompt, effective action is essential, or the agricultural crisis will worsen.”
Without timely government support, effective market purchases, and price controls, it is unlikely that new-season potato prices will rise above production costs. Otherwise, increased output could translate into repeated financial losses for growers.