Early potatoes have long been grown in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari, a district in the country's north, and many farmers have become self-reliant by growing them. But those who grew early potatoes last year reportedly did not make much profit.

This year, however, farmers in Kishoreganj are hoping for a profit. Talking to them, it emerged that Kishoreganj is famous in the country's markets for early potatoes. But sudden bad weather has left farmers somewhat worried.

Abdul Majid, a potato farmer in the Barabhita area, said he was disheartened because the bad weather was killing the potato leaves and stems, which could damage the crop. If he can overcome the problem, he will be able to market good-quality potatoes and get a good price.

"I have planted 10 bighas of potatoes. If good-quality potatoes form, I will get about 100 sacks. If the market price is Tk 60 to Tk 80, I will be able to sell Tk 1 lakh to Tk 1.5 lakh worth," he said.

Upazila agriculture officer Habibur Rahman said potatoes had been planted on 6,500 hectares across the upazila this year, and the fields show a bumper crop. New potatoes will reach the market within 10 days.

The green leaves of potato plants now cover nine unions, he said. If farmers get a fair price and there is a good marketing arrangement, they will profit.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.