Farmers in northern Bangladesh, particularly in Bogura, Joypurhat, and Rangpur, are facing severe financial losses despite a bumper potato harvest this season. Wholesale prices have dropped to 8–12 taka per kilogram, far below the production cost of 14–18 taka. As a result, farmers are losing 15,000–25,000 taka per bigha, with total regional losses estimated between 1,200 and 1,500 crore taka over the past two seasons.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, potato cultivation and yields have increased by 10–15 percent in recent years, but the lack of minimum price protection has left farmers vulnerable. High transportation costs and limited access to cold storage—where rental fees reach 300–400 taka per maund—have forced many to sell their crops at low prices. Cold storage owners confirmed that corporate buyers and middlemen often book space in advance, leaving little room for small farmers.

Agricultural officials acknowledged that market pricing falls under the jurisdiction of the marketing department. Experts suggested introducing a minimum support price system for potatoes to prevent recurring losses and discourage farmers from abandoning the crop.