PREVIEW

Farmers in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, are grappling with falling prices and mounting frustrations, even after a bumper potato harvest. Known as a major potato-producing region, Munshiganj saw cultivation rise to 38,550 hectares this year, up from 37,600 hectares last year. Production is also expected to surpass previous levels, with farmers anticipating an average yield of 35 tons per hectare.

However, rising costs for essential agricultural inputs such as seeds and pesticides have made potato farming more expensive than ever. Now, with harvesting season underway, many farmers are unable to bring in their crops as buyers are nowhere to be found. Wholesalers, who typically purchase large quantities during this period, have not turned up in significant numbers, leaving farmers in limbo.

Cold storage facilities in the district remain closed, leaving farmers with no option but to leave potatoes in the fields. As a result, pests and diseases—including a widespread skin disease known as scab—are damaging the unharvested crops. An estimated 20% of the potatoes have already been affected by blight, adding to the farmers' distress.

Weather conditions are also working against them. Frequent rains prevent fields from drying, making it impossible to harvest in time. Just when the soil begins to dry, rain strikes again, further delaying efforts.

To make matters worse, farmers accuse wholesalers of forming a syndicate to manipulate prices. These buyers often offer low prices or send others to negotiate even lower, forcing desperate farmers to sell at a loss. Additionally, many wholesalers prefer to buy on credit rather than pay upfront, increasing concerns over delayed payments and financial security.

With many having taken loans to cultivate their crops, farmers are calling on the government to help find export markets for potatoes, hoping for urgent intervention to prevent widespread financial hardship.