In Tanore upazila of Rajshahi, potato prices have dropped sharply this season, with new potatoes selling for Tk 8 to 9 per kilogram, and in some places even lower. Farmers report being forced to add an extra 5 kilograms per sack as ‘dholon,’ increasing their losses. One farmer, Raihan Kabir, said he harvested 40 to 45 sacks per bigha, selling each for Tk 550 to 650, earning Tk 22,000 to 28,000 per bigha against production costs of Tk 60,000 to 65,000, resulting in losses exceeding Tk 30,000 per bigha. Another farmer, Mejbaul, said his expenses were Tk 45,000 per bigha, but he earned only about Tk 25,000.

Farmers allege that although each sack weighs 70 kilograms, they are paid for only 65 kilograms, losing about 250 kilograms per bigha. Traders claim the extra weight compensates for natural loss during transport and storage. The local agriculture officer, Saifullah Ahmed, said 12,190 hectares were cultivated this year, with 150 hectares already harvested and yields satisfactory. He added that coordination is underway to help farmers with storage and marketing, expressing hope that prices will improve soon.