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Sunday | November 15, 2026 | Dhaka

Farmers bet on early potatoes in Dinajpur

Rising costs of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, are raising concerns
 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:05 AM, 15 November 2026  Updated: 11:57 PM, 14 November 2026

Farmers in Dinajpur’s Nawabganj upazila have begun cultivating early-season potatoes in the hope of fetching better prices, despite growing concerns over potential losses as production costs continue to rise.

The cost of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and labour has increased, leaving farmers uncertain about whether early cultivation will bring them profits. Much will also depend on favourable weather and stable market prices when the crop is harvested.

Planting of early-season potato varieties is already underway in different parts of the upazila. While some farmers are preparing their fields, others are busy planting seeds.

Obaidul Islam, a farmer from Padumhar village, said early potato cultivation involves considerable investment in seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and land preparation.

“Making a profit is possible if we get a good price at the beginning of the season. But if prices fall by the time we harvest the potatoes, we will have to count our losses,” he said.

Despite the risks, he is continuing cultivation in the hope of making a profit.

Amzad Hossain, a farmer from Nalea village in the same upazila, said early-season potatoes generally fetch better prices when brought to market ahead of the main harvest.

However, both weather conditions and market fluctuations remain major uncertainties, he said, adding that cultivation costs have been increasing every year.

Farmers would get some relief if they received fair prices for their produce, he added.

According to the upazila agriculture extension office, the cultivation target for potatoes in Nawabganj has been set at around 1,500 hectares this season, including 350 hectares for early-season varieties.

The agriculture department has set a production target of 18,500 tonnes of potatoes across the upazila. Upazila Agriculture Officer Zahidul Islam Ilias said early-season potato cultivation had begun as usual this year, with planting already completed on around 150 hectares.

The early varieties can be harvested and marketed within 60 to 65 days, increasing the possibility of securing better prices at the beginning of the season, he said.

Agricultural officials are regularly advising farmers on cultivation practices, and they remain optimistic about achieving a good yield this season, he added.

Farmers say early potato cultivation offers the prospect of higher returns but also carries considerable financial risks. They hope favourable weather and fair market prices will help ensure that their investment and hard work do not end in losses.