Farmers across Thakurgaon are heavily engaged in potato cultivation this season as they attempt to recover from financial losses caused by poor market prices for last year's Boro and this year's Aman paddy.
Thakurgaon, known as a major potato-producing district, cultivates potatoes in two phases each year due to its fertile soil across all five upazilas. The first phase begins in early Ashwin after harvesting early paddy, but this year's early potato yield fell short because of untimely rainfall. The second phase of planting, carried out in Kartik and Agrahayan, is now in full swing.
According to the Thakurgaon District Agriculture Office, the target for potato cultivation this year is 26,528 hectares, while 25,030 hectares have already been brought under cultivation. Upazila-wise targets include 12,500 hectares in Sadar, 2,550 in Baliadangi, 3,800 in Ranisankail, 3,600 in Pirganj and 2,530 in Haripur.
This season, farmers are cultivating Cardinal, Diamond and local potato varieties based on soil suitability. The elevated and fertile land of Thakurgaon—especially in Rahimanpur, Akhanagar and Ruhia unions—remains highly favourable for potato production.
Mohammad Majedul Islam, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Thakurgaon, said potato is a profitable short-duration crop. "Potatoes can be stored in cold storage for year-round consumption and sale. If market prices remain stable, farmers are expected to benefit," he said.
Farmers interviewed said they are determined to overcome last year's losses by expanding potato cultivation this season. Imran Hossain, Managing Director of Shahi Cold Storage, said growers and cold-storage operators are optimistic about a better year ahead.
With early winter and dense fog already setting in, local farmers are hopeful of a bumper potato yield this season.
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