Bangladesh’s potato farmers, particularly those in northern regions such as Joypurhat, Rangpur, Kurigram, and Thakurgaon, now find themselves at a crossroads. A perfect storm of overproduction, soaring cold storage fees, and delayed government intervention is pushing these dedicated cultivators toward financial ruin. As prices plummet below the cost of production, urgent policy reforms and robust support systems are needed to stabilize the sector and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands.
The heart of the crisis lies in an oversupplied market. Farmers who have invested considerable resources in potato cultivation are now forced to sell at prices that barely cover, if not fall short of, production costs. In Joypurhat, for example, a farmer reported selling at 10–12 BDT per kilogram while production costs hover around 16 BDT per kilogram. This widening gap between cost and market price is emblematic of a broader trend that is taking its toll across the region. The situation is further exacerbated in areas like Rangpur, where the surplus production has overwhelmed the market, leaving farmers with little choice but to accept heavy losses.
Compounding the problem are rising cold storage costs. Previously a manageable expense, storage fees have surged to levels that force farmers into a corner. The high upfront charges mean that many producers have no option but to sell their harvest immediately—often at a loss—to avoid incurring further costs. This creates a vicious cycle: as more farmers rush to sell, the market becomes flooded with potatoes, driving prices down even further and intensifying the crisis.
The plight of individual farmers, such as Kafiluddin and large-scale cultivators like Amirul Islam, is a stark reminder of the human cost of this economic downturn. Their experiences reflect a systemic failure—where investment, risk, and hard work are met with diminishing returns. Tenant farmers, who already face the challenges of leasing land and limited bargaining power, find themselves particularly vulnerable. Stories of desperate losses and mounting debts are becoming all too common, painting a grim picture of an industry on the brink of collapse.
Government intervention has been slow and, so far, insufficient. While officials have acknowledged the severity of the issue, concrete measures have yet to materialize. Initiatives such as the export of Bangladeshi potatoes to Malaysia, Nepal, and other markets initially sparked hope. However, the reality is that stringent export regulations and bureaucratic hurdles have muted their impact. The current framework not only limits market access but also fails to provide the necessary incentives for farmers to stabilize their operations.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Experts argue that a multi-faceted approach—improving logistics, expanding cold storage facilities, and streamlining export policies—could offer a sustainable solution. By easing the financial burden on farmers and opening up international markets, policymakers can help restore balance to the industry. Enhancing support for local producers is not just an economic imperative; it is essential for the social fabric of Bangladesh’s rural communities.
As Bangladesh stands at this critical juncture, the future of potato farming hangs in the balance. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further financial distress and to ensure that the nation’s hardworking farmers receive fair returns for their labor. The time for incremental change has passed; bold, decisive action is required to steer the potato sector away from the brink and toward a more secure and prosperous future.
