**Boosting Potato Cultivation in Bogura for Higher Yield Expectation – A Step towards Better Production**
**Who**: Farmers in Bogura
**What**: Increase in potato cultivation leading to higher yield expectations
**Where**: Bogura, Bangladesh
**When**: Updated 0725 hours, January 20, 2025
**Why**: Due to fluctuating potato market prices
**How**: Planting more potatoes in the upcoming season
In a bid to combat the recent downturn in the potato market, farmers in Bogura have taken a bold step towards boosting potato cultivation. This strategic move is aimed at not only increasing the yield but also ensuring a stable income for the hardworking farmers.
### **Rising Potato Cultivation and Expectations**
Over the past few years, the potato market in Bogura has faced challenges, leading farmers to pivot towards potato cultivation. This year, there has been a significant increase in the cultivation of potatoes compared to the previous year. Additionally, the absence of prevalent diseases has raised hopes for a bumper crop yield. Despite the lower prices compared to last year, farmers are optimistic about the market outlook.
According to the Bogura District Agricultural Extension Department, this season has seen potato cultivation on 60,435 hectares of land across the 12 upazilas in Bogura. Last year, the cultivation was limited to 55,260 hectares, resulting in a production of 1.3 million metric tons of potatoes. The demand in the district stands at two to two and a half million metric tons, including seed potatoes.
### **Farmers’ Insights and Expectations**
In conversations with farmers in the region, it was revealed that the fluctuating prices of potatoes in recent years have prompted a shift towards potato cultivation this season. Despite the higher cost of potato seeds, the absence of diseases and a milder winter have encouraged farmers to invest in potato fields. The increased cultivation of potatoes is expected to result in a significant yield, surpassing the previous year’s production.
### **Market Trends and Future Prospects**
The Mahasthan wholesale market in Bogura is currently witnessing the sale of Lal Pakri potatoes at a rate of 700-800 Taka per maund, while Sada Diamond potatoes are being sold at 500-600 Taka per maund. Farmers like Abdul Majid from Raynagar village in Shibganj Upazila are hopeful about the upcoming potato harvest. Despite the initial investment of 20-22,000 Taka per bigha for cultivation, the prospects of a bountiful harvest are promising.
### **Departmental Projections and Recommendations**
The Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, Motlubur Rahman, stated that compared to previous years, there has been a significant increase in potato cultivation in Bogura this year. With favorable weather conditions expected in the coming months, there is a high likelihood of a successful potato harvest without any significant crop damage. This positive outlook is set to benefit the farmers with a good yield.
As the potato cultivation season progresses, farmers are gearing up for a successful harvest, hoping to capitalize on the increased cultivation for a prosperous year ahead. The Department of Agriculture advises farmers to continue their efforts and expects a rise in potato production as the season advances.
This initiative in Bogura marks a significant step towards ensuring food security and economic stability for the region, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the local farming community in the face of market challenges.
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This rewritten article highlights the efforts of Bogura farmers to enhance potato cultivation, emphasizing the potential for a successful harvest and economic growth. Through interviews, market trends, and expert insights, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the current agricultural landscape in Bogura.
