This year, the fields of Dinajpur are singing a melody of abundance, with a bumper crop of potatoes bringing joy to farmers' faces. Early varieties, nurtured by favorable weather and low production costs, are already being harvested, fetching handsome prices of Tk 43 per kilogram from eager wholesalers.
The bounty extends across 11,000 hectares of land, a significant portion of the district's 20,590 hectares dedicated to potato cultivation. This season, the land rewards farmers with a staggering 17 metric tons of potatoes per hectare, a testament to the ideal growing conditions.
Mayshar Ali, a farmer from Chirirbandar upazila, paints a picture of success. His one-and-a-half bigha plot, seeded with early varieties, yielded a harvest within 55 days, free from the need for pesticides thanks to the benevolent weather. With production costs pegged at Tk 30,000, Mayshar expects a staggering profit of around Tk 2 lakh, excluding expenses.
Similar jubilation rings in the voice of Rafiqul Islam, who cultivated early potatoes across three bighas. He has already begun harvesting and anticipates profits of Tk 3-3.5 lakh after recouping his Tk 1 lakh investment. Compared to last year's struggles with low prices and high costs, this season is a welcome windfall.
The Department of Agriculture Extension played a crucial role in this flourishing harvest, providing farmers with invaluable support and guidance. Assistant Agriculture Officer Minhajul Haque Nawab lauds the success, attributing it to the combined efforts of farmers and the department. With current market prices offering exceptional returns, farmers are being encouraged to embrace early potato cultivation in the upcoming season.
Dinajpur's fields, once again, demonstrate the power of resilience and hard work. This year's potato harvest is not just a story of bountiful produce but also a testament to the unwavering spirit of Bangladeshi farmers who thrive in the face of challenges.
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