Photo: BSS

By Rostom Ali Mandal

DINAJPUR, Nov 25, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target of cultivating potatoes on 47,250 hectares of land in 13 upazilas of the district during the current Rabi season. 

Officials said around 25 percent of early-variety potatoes have already been planted.

Farmers across the district are now busy tending to their fields, hoping to bring early-harvest potatoes to the market in the first week of December. They expect that the early supply of new potatoes will fetch a higher price at the beginning of the season.

Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), confirmed the information, noting that Dinajpur remains one of the country's most productive regions for Rabi crops. 

"Our field officers are providing full support to farmers to ensure a bumper yield," he said. He added that the department is advising farmers to plant high-yielding potato varieties alongside other Rabi crops to boost overall production.

According to officials, planting of early potato varieties-Golden, Ganolla, and Courage-began on October 20. These early varieties have already begun sprouting, and are expected to reach the markets within 30 to 35 days. Farmers hope that early marketing will improve their profit margins.

Planting of seasonal variety potatoes will continue from November to January 31, following the harvest of Aman paddy. Farmers will then cultivate varieties including Diamond, Kartilal, Starridge, and indigenous types such as Chalisha, Romana, and Petronese. 

In early January, hybrid varieties-Lady Rosetta, Bari-2, Bari-9, Atlas-and several local varieties such as Lal Pakri, Sada Pakri, Bograi, Selbilati, Kaveri, Jalpai, Sada Patna, and Lal Patna will also be planted.

Harvesting of the main potato crop is expected between February 15 and April 15, enabling farmers to store potatoes for year-round consumption. The district has set an average yield target of 22.21 metric tons per hectare, aiming for a total output of approximately 10,59,448 metric tons this season.

Agriculture officials say they are providing continuous support regarding field management, pest control, and fertilizer use. If weather conditions remain favorable, they anticipate a bumper harvest. Last year, the district cultivated potatoes on 48,775 hectares, producing 10,80,500 metric tons.

Farmers are optimistic. Md. Sharif Uddin of Naniatikar village in Chirirbandar upazila said he planted early varieties on 80 percent of his land. "The plants are growing well. I expect to start harvesting in the first week of December," he said. 

Md. Nazrul Islam of Nashipur village in Sadar upazila echoed similar hopes, having planted early varieties on 60 percent of his land.

With early varieties already thriving, the district is gearing up for a strong start to the potato season.