Photo: BSS

By Md Monjur Morshed

MUNSHIGANJ, Jan 30, 2026 (BSS) - Farmers in Munshiganj, one of the country's top potato-producing districts, are actively engaged in weeding and irrigating their fields as the potato season reaches its peak.

Potato, the main cash crop of the district, has seen a positive turn this season with fertilizer and seed prices remaining stable, giving small and marginal farmers hope for profitable harvests at lower costs.

The District Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said the target for potato cultivation this season was 34,655 hectares, but actual cultivation slightly exceeded the target, reaching 34,660 hectares.

Upazila-wise, cultivation spread over 9,581 hectares in Munshiganj Sadar, 9,070 hectares in Tongibari, 1,944 hectares in Srinagar, 8,958 hectares in Sirajdikhan, 3,109 hectares in Louhjang, and 1,998 hectares in Gazaria.

The target yield for the season has been set at 1,045,195 tons. Last year, potatoes were grown on 34,758 hectares in the district, producing around 1.2 million tons.

Md. Ajmir Hossain, a farmer from Amghata village in Sadar Upazila, told BSS that he cultivated potatoes on five and a half kani of land this year. "If there is no rain over the next 15-20 days, the yield will meet expectations and recover last year's losses," he said, adding that the weather has been favorable and the crops are free from diseases and pests.

Ziaur Rahman, another farmer from Kathadia village, said lower seed and fertilizer prices this season have reduced cultivation costs. "If the yield remains good, farmers will be able to make a profit," he noted.

Kbd Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Director of DAE Munshiganj, told BSS that the current weather is conducive to potato cultivation. He said, "If there is no natural disaster, the target yield is achievable."

Dr. Rahman also highlighted that short-, medium-, and long-term plans are underway to make Munshiganj's traditional potato farming more profitable and sustainable. He noted that fertilizer prices have been capped at Tk 15,500 this season.

Additionally, through the Khamari App, block-level demonstrations using balanced fertilizers have been conducted in 206 blocks across the district. Export-grade potatoes have also been grown on 6,783 hectares this season.