Potato exports from Bogura surge to 36,009 tonnes in Feb-Jun

Potato exports from the northern district of Bogura have soared this year, with shipments reaching 36,009 tonnes between February and June-more than double the volume exported during the same period last year.

Last year exports of the tuber crop from this district were merely 16000 tonnes.

This sharp rise in exports has fetched an estimated US$ 6.15 million.

According to the people familiar with the development, bulk of the potatoes was shipped from Shibganj Upazila, followed by Kahaloo and Sherpur.

The export destinations were more than 30 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, the UAE, and Nepal.

The most commonly exported varieties were 'Lal Pakri' and 'Diamond', both known for their superior quality and shelf life-two critical factors for export viability.

"This year export marks a significant improvement in volume, thanks to quality production and strong demand from international markets," said Momota Haque, senior agricultural marketing officer of the Department of Marketing in Bogura.

Despite the success, local exporters have voiced frustration over trade barriers with neighbouring India.

For the past four months, shipments to Nepal and Bhutan remained closed due to logistical disruptions in Siliguri, a key Indian transit point. The landlocked Nepal and Bhutan had strong demand for the Bogura produced potato.

"We could have exported even more if we weren't facing obstacles in sending potatoes to Nepal and Bhutan," said an exporter based in Bogura wishing not to be named.

Mukul Hossain, a veteran potato trader and local representative of Agrotech BD Company, said he alone exported 3,375 tonnes this season-spread across 250 containers, each with a capacity of 13.5 tonnes.

He sold high-quality potatoes to Malaysia's Farmers Agro Ltd at Tk520 per maund.

The largest exporter from the region, however, was Ms. Sagar Traders, also based in Shibganj.

Md. Sujan Islam, owner of Sagar Traders, said his firm has been exporting vegetables-including cauliflower and cabbage-since 2014. Last year, he alone shipped 12,300 tonnes of potatoes abroad.

Agriculture Information Service, a government agency, said the district began exporting potatoes in 1998. In 1999, just 126 tonnes were sent to Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and some Middle Eastern countries. Today, Malaysia alone absorbs nearly 80 per cent of the district's export volume.

Experts say policy-level support and structural reforms are necessary to sustain and expand this export boom.

Faridur Rahman Farid, Assistant Agriculture Extension Officer, suggested the formation of designated export zones with contract growers to ensure consistent quality and supply. He also recommended raising the export incentive on raw potato shipments from the current rate to as high as 30 per cent.

"Increasing export bonuses and encouraging new companies to join the sector could significantly boost our performance," Mr Farid said.

The boom in exports coincides with a record harvest in the region.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), potatoes were cultivated on 60,435 hectares in the district this season-exceeding the target of 55,060 hectares.

Favourable weather contributed to an impressive yield of approximately 1.45 million tonnes, up from the initial target of 1.2 million tonnes.

"We've always known Bogura to be a potato heartland. Now, it's gaining a global identity too," said potato trader Badiuzzaman.

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