United News of Bangladesh

A sharp fall in potato prices at the start of the harvesting season has plunged farmers in the northern region into deep uncertainty, with many forced to sell their produce at rates lower than production costs. Growers say the situation has left them counting losses instead of profits as market prices fail to cover rising expenses for seeds, fertilisers, irrigation, labour and transportation. In Rangpur City Market on Sunday, potatoes were retailing at Tk 10–12 per kilogram while production costs range between Tk 14 and Tk 22 per kilogram. Farmers claim they are incurring losses of Tk 2–3 per kg on average, with wholesale prices hovering at Tk 15–17 per kg. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh produced 1.15 crore tonnes of potatoes in the 2024–25 fiscal year, of which 87 lakh tonnes came from Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. The production target for the current season stands at around 84 lakh tonnes. Farmers in major potato-producing districts such as Rajshahi, Bogura, Rangpur and Pabna said input costs have surged compared to last year, pushing overall production expenses to Tk 18–22 per kg. Sujan Rahman, a farmer from Gangachara upazila in Rangpur, said he cultivated potatoes this season hoping to offset last year’s losses. “But the market price is so low that I cannot even recover my costs,” he lamented. Mizanur Rahman of Kaunia upazila said early-season planting is usually aimed at securing better prices. “However, unsold potatoes from last year are still in the market, reducing demand for new crops,” he said. In Lalmonirhat’s Kaliganj upazila, Hasim Mia cultivated Cardinal potatoes on 18 bighas of land at a cost of Tk 22 per kg. BGMEA thanks govt for releasing Tk 2,500 crore in export incentives “Now I can only sell them at Tk 15–18 per kg,” he said expressing frustration over mounting losses. Farmers attribute the price slump to leftover stock from the previous season, weak market management and a lack of adequate cold storage facilities. They also allege that syndicate dominance and excess production have compounded the crisis. Market insiders said traders are reluctant to procure potatoes in bulk due to limited export opportunities and high storage costs. As a result, supply continues to outpace demand, driving prices further down. Shahin Mia, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Marketing in Rangpur Division, said potato cultivation has slightly decreased compared to last year, which may help stabilise supply and prices later in the season. However, Sirajul Islam, additional director of the DAE in Rangpur, said cultivation this year exceeded the target by about 25,000 hectares, contributing to the oversupply. Agricultural experts warn that unless export markets are expanded and better market management ensured, potato growers will continue to suffer recurring losses. They urged the government to take urgent, farmer-friendly measures to protect the sector and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of farming families dependent on potato cultivation in the north.

The government has strengthened market monitoring in an effort to bring the prices of essentials under control and ease consumers’ suffering, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir on Tuesday evening. “You already know many are upset due to the price hike of essentials. The government has special attention to that,” he told reporters at a media briefing, highlighting the government's efforts in monitoring the market. CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. Apurba said the Commerce Ministry and Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection are monitoring the market constantly through task forces at central and district-level task forces. “Fines are being imposed if any irregularities are found. We expect it (price) will soon come under control,” he added. Apurba said a 10-member task force will be formed in each district with two student representatives. He also mentioned that the Ministry of Commerce has granted approval for the import of 40.5 million eggs to seven designated firms. Regarding Durga Puja security, the Deputy Press Secretary said the government and the law enforcement agencies are sincerely focusing on the security concerns shared by the Hindu community. He said all puja mandaps across the country will be monitored through IP cameras with adequate patrolling by the police, Rab and intelligence agencies. The government has already announced an additional public holiday on Thursday (October 10) for Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. The Durga Puja holiday will now last four days, starting from Thursday. This extension comes as Friday and Saturday are already government holidays this month. A notification regarding this was issued. "This extra holiday has been granted to ensure smooth and joyous celebrations of the Durga Puja," Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Mahfuj Alam said while talking to reporters at the Dhakeshwari Temple on Tuesday morning. Apart from this, measures are being taken to ensure that the Buddhist community can celebrate the ‘Kathin Chibar Dan’ smoothly, he added. Apurba said July Shaheed Smrity Foundation has established a hotline - 16000 – which will be functional by next two days.  

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday increased exchange rate of a US dollar by Tk 1 to Tk 100. Now, those who will buy dollars from the central bank will have to pay Tk100 for each US dollar. Read more: Exporters to get slightly higher rate of Tk 102 for one US dollar The central bank increased the dollar price within a month. Earlier, the central bank fixed exchange rate of US dollar at Tk 99 on December 5. It says that the price of the dollar has been increased in line with the market price. Central bank spokesperson Masbaul Haque told UNB that the dollar price has been increased to match the market price and it is part of regular initiative. Read more: Remittance: Bangladesh Bank tells banks to provide Tk 107 per dollar