During the fiscal year 2024-25, Bangladesh saw significant success in its potato exports, totaling 62,135 tons, which is the largest amount exported in the past three years. This figure represents a significant increase from the average 50,000 tons exported in previous years, showing how the country is making better use of agricultural potential. The export boom happened despite falling local potato prices, which created challenges and opportunities for farmers and exporters. While local prices dropped, this made Bangladeshi potatoes more competitive in international markets. Exporters found that they could purchase potatoes for significantly less, with prices between $0.07 and $0.20 per kilogram, which is lower than the $0.30 per kilogram from the prior year. Unfortunately, the price drop created difficulties for farmers. At the field level, farmers received only $0.11 per kilogram for their potatoes, which is below the Agriculture Department’s estimated production cost of $0.14 per kilogram. In some northern regions, production costs reached as high as $0.20 per kilogram, meaning many farmers faced losses despite producing good crops. The increase in potato cultivation played a major role in this export success. Potato cultivation by farmers increased to an all-time high of 5.24 lakh hectares, reflecting a rise of 15 percent compared to last year. This expansion was encouraged by high potato prices that reached $0.80 per kilogram in November, motivating farmers to plant more potatoes. However, the combination of high yields and inadequate storage systems later caused market prices to fall. The Bangladesh Cold Storage Association predicts that total production could reach 12 million tons, though official government figures are still being calculated. This massive production creates both opportunities for exports and challenges for local market management.Bangladesh sends potatoes to various nations such as Malaysia, the UAE, Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bahrain. The most exported types are Granola, Diamond-7, and Majestic potatoes. Farmers are encouraged by the Department of Agricultural Extension to cultivate Granola, Santana, and Kumari varieties for these international markets. However, exporters face challenges in expanding to new markets. Poor packaging, hygiene issues, and quality control problems prevent exports to countries like Cambodia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. These technical barriers limit Bangladesh’s ability to reach more profitable markets. One successful exporter shared how low prices created opportunities, explaining that he exported 30,000 tons last season compared to only 1,400 tons the previous year. This increase shows how price advantages can boost export volumes when properly managed. Industry experts believe that improving infrastructure, quality control systems, and market connections will be key to unlocking even greater export potential. With better storage facilities and packaging standards, Bangladesh could significantly expand its potato export business while providing farmers with more stable and profitable prices for their crops.
