Thakurgaon Correspondent:

Farmers and traders in Thakurgaon are failing to make a profit despite storing potatoes in cold storage facilities. Instead, the combined cost of production and post-harvest storage—including cold storage rent and transportation—has reached Tk 19 to Tk 20 per kilogram. Yet, these potatoes are currently selling in the market for only Tk 14 per kilogram, resulting in a loss of Tk 5 to Tk 6 per kilogram. With low market demand hindering sales of the stored stock, fears of mounting losses are growing.

Farmers and traders report that at the beginning of the season, potatoes were traded at Tk 10 to Tk 12 per kilogram. Many stored their produce in cold storage, anticipating a future price hike. However, due to sluggish market demand, they are unable to sell at the expected price, leaving them in a difficult predicament regarding their stored stock.

Arman Hossain, a farmer from the Begunbari area of ​​Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, stated that he had stored his potatoes hoping for a price increase, as rates were low during the harvest. He had hoped that a rise in price would cover storage costs and yield some profit. However, the total cost—including rent and other expenses—came to Tk 19–20 per kilogram, while he is now forced to sell at Tk 14 per kilogram, facing significant financial loss.

Md. Wahab, a farmer and trader from Ranishankail Upazila, noted that they have been facing losses from potato cultivation and cold storage for the past two or three seasons, and the same situation has recurred this year. He has lost his capital as a result. If this trend continues, many farmers may abandon potato cultivation altogether. He believes the government needs to take effective measures to maintain potato prices at a reasonable level.

Shamsuzzoha, a trader from Krishnapur village in Sadar Upazila, mentioned that although large quantities of potatoes were expected to reach the market from cold storage by this time, sales remain slow due to low demand. He estimates that approximately two-thirds of the potato stock still remains in cold storage; if these potatoes are not marketed quickly, the losses incurred by farmers and traders will escalate further. According to the District Department of Agricultural Extension, the target for potato cultivation in Thakurgaon for the current season was set at 30,000 hectares. However, the district surpassed this target, with potatoes cultivated on approximately 37,000 hectares; of this area, about 10,000 hectares were dedicated to early-variety potatoes.

There are 19 cold storage facilities in the district, currently holding a stock of approximately 105,000 metric tons of potatoes. Due to low market demand, potatoes are being released from these facilities at a slow pace, causing concern among farmers, traders, and cold storage owners alike.

Md. Al Amin, manager of Shahi Cold Storage, stated that cold storage owners are worried about the low potato prices. He noted that if the potatoes are not moved out of storage, all parties involved—farmers, traders, and owners—will suffer financial losses.

The slump in the potato market has also affected cold storage workers. Workers reported that their income has declined due to reduced activity in loading and unloading potatoes. Consequently, the market downturn is causing financial hardship for laborers alongside farmers and traders.

Md. Alamgir Kabir, Additional Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension, explained that farmers had stored their potatoes hoping for a profit, but are now facing losses because current prices are significantly lower than before.

In this situation, farmers and traders are calling for initiatives to expedite both domestic marketing and exports to mitigate losses. They believe that opening up new export markets would create opportunities to sell the stored potatoes, thereby helping to balance supply and demand while partially alleviating the financial losses faced by farmers, traders, and workers.