Planting of early potatoes has begun in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari. As soon as short-duration aman rice is harvested, fields in Bahagili, Nitai, Putimari, Garagram and Ranachandi unions are being prepared and sown with potatoes, Krishi Shomoy's Nilphamari correspondent reports.
Farmers are taking seed out of cold storage and planting sprouted tubers, while others buy seed potatoes in the market at Tk 12 to Tk 13 a kg. The rice harvest and potato planting together are providing work for local day labourers, men and women.
Last season, poor prices and extra cold-storage costs left potato growers with losses, and many lost their capital. Even so, relying on cheap seed, good weather and a steady supply of fertiliser, they are back in the fields hoping to recover. In the Kutipara block of Ranachandi, Ishaq Haji, Faridul Islam and Suja Mia are each planting three bighas, Anisur Rahman two and Abdul Hai one.
Minarul Islam of North Durakuti village in Bahagili is planting the 'Seven' variety of early potato on 65 decimals. Yields per bigha are a little lower, he says, but the early market pays well, so the crop is more profitable.
Kishoreganj upazila agriculture officer Lokman Alam says the target for early potato this season is 4,100 hectares. Sub-assistant agriculture officers are in the field advising farmers and making sure fertiliser is available; with good weather and fair prices, he hopes growers can make up for past losses.
Photo: Hridoye Mati O Manush / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Source: Krishi Shomoy
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