36.22 lakh tonnes of potato produced in Rajshahi division

Above 36.22 lakh tonnes of potatoes were produced in Rajshahi division making the farmers happy due to its good yield and cherished market price amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Sources in the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said, farmers got the potato yield from about 1.58 lakh hectares of land in all eight districts in the division during the harvesting season that ended very recently amidst generating job opportunities for many people.

They said the growers were seen delighted as they got good yield due to favourable weather conditions everywhere in the region, including its vast Barind tract which has become a suitable place for potato production over the past couple of years. They are also getting a fair price for their produce this season at present.

In the present context of COVID-19 pandemic, the demand of potato has been enhanced to some extent as many of the government, non-government and volunteer organizations are seen distributing potato along with other food items as relief among the jobless and other hard hit families.