High quality potatoes produced by Thakurgaon farmers. Photo: BSS

Zakir Mostafiz Milu

THAKURGAO, Feb 15, 2025 (BSS) – High quality potatoes produced by Thakurgaon farmers could garner the attention of overseas consumers. 

Different varieties of potatoes like Granola variety and Sunshine variety- are being exported to Nepal, Malaysia, Middle-eastern and other Southeast Asia as well as some European countries, officials said.

Thanks to hard works of the farmers and use of modern technology to produce high quality potatoes in the agriculture-dependent district, rich for paddy, wheat, jute, sugarcane and mango.

According to the District Agricultural Extension Department (AED), potatoes were cultivated on 26,168 hectares of land in Thakurgaon last year. 

But, due to good yields, the cultivation has increased to 34,500 hectares this year. Of this, early potatoes were cultivated on 1,555 hectares.

Last year, potato cultivation in Sadar Upazila was on 14,270 hectares which was increased to 17,175 hectares this year.

Efforts are being made to spread it further. Farmers and traders are now becoming more enthusiastic for producing high-quality potatoes, AED officials said.

According to the available information farmers of Sadar Upazila have exported 115 MT of Granola variety potatoes to Nepal while 45 MT ton potatoes of Sunshine variety to Malaysia.

Al Imran, CEO of Naeem Agro, said the initiative of cultivating Sunshine variety gained popularity among farmers of Thakurgaon and Dinajpur districts and its quality is being appreciated in the international market.

Currently, potato is being sold in the local market at Taka 10/12 per kg, but the export variety is being sold at Taka 15 to 17.

Kajal, a farmer from Nargun Union of Sadar Upazila, said he is happy to hear the export of Thakurgaon potatoes to international markets, hoping that it would help them getting higher price of their produces.

Jamal Hossain, a farmer from Pirganj, said potato export will make them interested in cultivation. However, they will be able to accrue more profit if its production cost can be reduced.
Abdul Aziz, a farmer from Khekidangi in Sadar Upazila, said, local farmers are highly encouraged with the news of potato export abroad. They are interested in producing good quality potato for export purpose as local market is frustrating, he said.

Al Imran of Naeem Agro, which exports potatoes from Dinajpur and Thakurgaon, said, they are working directly with the farmers to ensure the farmers getting fair prices and supply quality.

Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Nasirul Alam said, farmers are now using modern technology to maintain quality. The local administration has taken initiative to ensure the farmers receive advanced training on potato cultivation and packaging.

Sirajul Islam, DD of AED while visiting potato harvesting and packaging activities of farmer Humayun, a resident of BGB Thakurgaon sector, said this is huge opportunity for our agriculture sector.

District agriculture department is extending all support to the farmers to produce special varieties of potatoes and packaging for international market, he said.

“Farmers always complain about low price of their yields in local market. However, the export potentiality is very good news for Thakurgaon farmers,” he said.