Joypurhat, known as the second highest potato producing district in the country, has surpassed the target of potato cultivation this year. The farmers are smiling as bumper yields on potatoes also getting good prices in the market.
According to the sources of Joypurhat Agricultural Extension Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), potatoes have been cultivated in 42,425 hectares of land in the district. 7,150 hectares in Joypurhat Sadar upazila, 7050 hectares in Panchbibi upazila, 6,300 hectares in Akkalepur upazila, 8080 hectares in Khetlal upazila and 13,230 hectares of land have been used for potato cultivation in Kalai Upazila.
Last year, the target for potato production was 950,683 metric tons. In order to achieve better yields and targets, farmers have cultivated improved varieties of Aristric, Cardinal, Diamand, Lara, Caraze, Ganola, Musikia, Romana, Red Pakri and country varieties Pakri, Pahari Pakri, Bot Pakri, Tel Pakri, Fata Pakri, Jam potato and potatoes in advance varieties. Now it has been estimated at 11 lakh metric tons.
During the planting season, the price of potato seeds was higher than the previous year. So, the potato production cost of per bigha was Tk 15-20,000. And this time, the production is about 80-90 mounds per bigha in the area. Farmers of Ahmedabad, Matrai, Udaipur, Poonat and Jidiarpur Union of Kalai Upazila are now passing a busy time with potato harvesting.
According to Agricultural Department, bumper potato yield has been harvested in the district like last season and now they are towards the end of potato harvesting. Excluding the cost of production, the farmers are earning Tk 15,000 to 25,000/- per bigha. They claimed that this time the production has exceeded the target due to good yield.
Farmers of the district said they are cultivating potatoes in the hope of getting good yield and good prices. They urged the government to ensure satisfactory prices of potatoes and take steps to export potatoes abroad.
Deputy Director of Joypurhat Agriculture Extension Department S M Meftahul Bari said, “The Agriculture Department has held regular and personal communication with the farmers to ensure bumper yield of potatoes.”
‘Besides, leaflets have been distributed among the farmers in all the five upazilas to raise awareness of them. Farmers have got bumper yield in the current season due to favourable weather condition and following the advice of the Agriculture Department, he added.
