Kishoreganj upazila in Nilphamari is famous for early potatoes, which its farmers grow as a way to change their fortunes. As every year, planting has got off to an early start in the area.

The upazila agriculture officer said that with favourable weather the target this year is 100 hectares more than last year. Farmers hope to make bigger profits by selling at the start of the season.

Visits to several unions in the upazila found farmers already preparing for potatoes, and planting was in full swing. With good weather, farmers are sowing hopes along with the rows of potatoes. They hope to bring potatoes to market at the start of the season, when new potatoes fetch a higher price and bring bigger profits.

Mozammel Hoque of Ronchondi Kutipara village, whose family has farmed for generations, has planted early potatoes on about 5 bigha, as every year, and hopes to get a good price by selling at the start of winter.

"I grow potatoes every time, but last time there wasn't much profit," he said. "This time I'll grow them on 5 bigha. By the time winter comes the potatoes will be big, and I'll get a good price then. If the weather stays good and there are no storms, there will be a profit."

Abdul Hakim, a farmer in the Magura area, said he is growing early potatoes on seven and a half bigha and expects a much bigger profit this year, with constant advice from the agricultural extension office.

Ashraf Uddin said his family has grown early potatoes since his grandfather's time because they sell for more. He is growing them on 3 bigha this year and expects to sell more than Tk 2 lakh worth.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the upazila's target this year is 4,400 hectares, 100 hectares more than last year. Each bigha in the area yields about 12 to 15 sacks, or 30 to 35 maunds. Because the potatoes reach market at the start of the season, demand is high and they sell for Tk 50 to Tk 70 a kg or more.

Upazila agriculture officer Habibur Rahman said the target had been set 100 hectares higher than last year. Farmers here are keen on early potatoes because of the higher price, he said. The DAE is working in the field for a good yield, and agriculture officers are giving advice at all times on disease and other problems.

He said that in favourable weather these potatoes mature very quickly and are ready to harvest in 50 to 70 days. A good yield is expected this year.

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