Written by The Banking Post
Bangladesh’s potato exports are gaining momentum, but farmers are reeling under heavy losses as domestic prices slump to historic lows.
Data from the Plant Quarantine Wing shows exports reached 45,400 tonnes during July–March of FY2025-26, up from 34,600 tonnes a year earlier. Total exports stood at 62,500 tonnes in FY2025, a sharp rise from just 12,300 tonnes in FY2024.
Officials expect the upward trend to continue. “Exports may surpass last year’s 62,000 tonnes and could even set a new record,” said an official, citing strong demand from Vietnam and streamlined quarantine procedures.
Despite the export growth, the domestic market remains under severe pressure. Farm-gate prices have dropped to Tk 6–8 per kg—the lowest in a decade—well below production costs.
“The production cost in my area is at least Tk 15 per kg, while the maximum selling price is only Tk 8 per kg,” said a farmer from Dinajpur, highlighting the widening gap between costs and returns.
Retail prices in Dhaka are also low, hovering around Tk 18–20 per kg, reflecting weak demand and oversupply.
Experts say the core issue lies in record production without adequate storage and market support. Potato output reached 11.57 million tonnes in FY2025 and is expected to rise further to around 12 million tonnes in FY2026.
“The rise in exports is encouraging, especially with a large surplus,” said an agriculture economist. “But farmers need access to cold storage at the union level to preserve part of their produce.”
They also recommend expanding export markets—particularly in Eastern Europe—and introducing government procurement schemes, similar to rice, to stabilise prices.
Without such interventions, analysts warn that continued losses could discourage farmers from cultivating potatoes in the next season, posing risks to future supply.
