Jaipurhat, renowned as the third-largest potato-producing district in Bangladesh, is witnessing a growing crisis among its farmers.
A syndicate of unscrupulous traders has created an artificial shortage of seed potatoes, forcing farmers to pay an additional Tk 600 to Tk 1,000 per maund over the fixed price.
This exploitation is not limited to potatoes, as fertiliser prices have also surged, doubling production costs and dampening farmers' enthusiasm for potato cultivation.
Farmers speak out against price gouging
“The seed potatoes are nowhere to be found in the warehouses,” said Atowar Hossain, a farmer from Helkunda village in Sadar Upazila. “Traders claim there’s a shortage, but they’re delivering potatoes from unknown locations at inflated prices.”
Hossain's complaint resonates with many. Farmers report that despite adequate supply, dealers are withholding seed potatoes to inflate prices artificially.
Imran Ali, a farmer from Hajipara village in Kalai Upazila, shared a similar ordeal. “I bought a bag of seed potatoes from a well-known company at Tk 4,000, even though the official price was between Tk 3,000 and Tk 3,200. Fertilisers, too, are costing me Tk 200 to Tk 300 more per bag,” he said.
Adding to their woes, some traders are allegedly repackaging edible potatoes as seed potatoes, leaving farmers worried about being duped into buying low-quality stock.
Lack of effective intervention
Farmers complain that government action has been insufficient. While mobile courts have fined a few dealers, these fines have done little to curb the syndicate's manipulation.
Mehedi Hasan, Agricultural Marketing Officer for Jaipurhat, acknowledged the issue. “We are closely monitoring the seed potato market, and the local administration is assisting us. Several dealers have already been fined for overpricing, and our market monitoring continues,” he said.
However, farmers remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, given the syndicate's persistent grip on the market.
Demand outstripping supply
According to Rahela Parvin, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, the district’s demand for seed potatoes has exceeded projections by 20,000 tonnes this season. She attributes part of the crisis to delays in harvesting Aman paddy, which has slowed down the start of potato cultivation.
“Once harvesting is complete and cultivation picks up, the situation might stabilise,” she added.
A bleak outlook for potato farming
The rising costs are leaving farmers disheartened. The inflated prices of seed potatoes and fertilizers are not only cutting into their profits but also discouraging many from continuing with potato farming.
Unless authorities take decisive action to dismantle the syndicate and ensure fair pricing, the farmers of Jaipurhat face an uphill battle to sustain one of the district’s most vital agricultural industries.