Bumper potato yield brings smiles to Munshiganj farmers

A bumper potato harvest in the district district this season has brought relief and optimism to farmers, as favorable weather and the absence of pest attacks led to higher-than-expected production.

Munshiganj, known as one of the country’s leading potato-producing regions, ranked third nationally, recording cultivation on 34,660 hectares of land-slightly exceeding the target of 34,655 hectares set for the current season.

Upazila-wise, cultivation included 9,581 hectares in Sadar, 9,070 hectares in Tongibari, 1,944 hectares in Srinagar, 8,958 hectares in Sirajdikhan, 3,109 hectares in Louhajang, and 1,998 hectares in Gazaria, reports BSS.
According to the District Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the production target was set at 10,045,195 metric tons.

However, due to excellent yields ranging between 42 to 45 metric tons per hectare, total production is expected to surpass the target by approximately 14 lakh metric tons. Around 80 percent of the harvest has already been completed.

Farmers across the district expressed satisfaction with both the yield and crop quality. Jamal Bepari, a farmer from Sirajdikhan, reported producing 5,000 kilograms of potatoes from 50 decimals of land.

He said that the crop remained free from pests and diseases, resulting in good size and color.

However, he emphasized the need for improved export opportunities to ensure fair prices.

Md. Ajmir Hossain, a farmer from Amghata in Sadar upazila, said he got the best yield in the past five years.

Despite minor losses due to recent rainfall, he remains confident that the overall production will offset the damage.

Another farmer, Md. Roni from Tongibari, highlighted the availability of quality seeds and favorable weather conditions, which prevented damage from excessive rainfall.

He added that proper storage facilities would help maintain the quality of harvested potatoes.

Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman confirmed that the absence of natural disasters and favorable climatic conditions contributed to the higher yield.

He said that in some areas, production reached up to 45 metric tons per hectare.

He also said that authorities are implementing short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to ensure sustainable and profitable potato farming in the district.

This includes maintaining fertilizer prices at around Taka 15,500, introducing balanced fertilizer practices across 206 blocks through Khamari Apps, and expanding cultivation of export- and processing-friendly potato varieties across 6,783 hectares of land.

Additionally, pilot project initiatives such as potato-based food processing training have already been conducted in Tongibari and will be expanded to other upazilas.

The government is also working toward boosting large-scale potato exports to ensure better returns for farmers.

With strong yields and supportive measures in place, farmers in Munshiganj are hopeful for a profitable season ahead.