Unlocking the potential of potato export

The recent surge in Bangladesh's potato exports underscores the crop's growing potential in overseas markets. Potato exports have quadrupled in the current fiscal year, reaching 50,000 tonnes between July and April-up from just 12,300 tonnes in FY 2024. While this volume may not appear massive in absolute terms, the achievement is notable given that Bangladesh in the past had been a potato-importing country, and grappled with severe domestic price hikes. The current export growth marks a significant shift in the country's agricultural landscape.

The Bangladesh Potato Exporters Association expects exports to exceed 70,000 tonnes by the end of the season. This sharp rise has been largely attributed to robust domestic production and increasing demand in Asian markets. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the country is projected to produce a record-high 11 million tonnes of potatoes this year-approximately 4.0 million tonnes more than the nation's annual requirement.

This surplus presents a valuable opportunity. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of data reliability. Accurate production figures are critical for effective planning and market forecasting. Unfortunately, as has often been the case with other agricultural products, unreliable or inconsistent data have hampered proper assessment and decision-making. Experts believe Bangladesh has consistently produced a surplus of potatoes in recent years, including newer high-yield varieties. But much of this surplus is wasted due to poor storage infrastructure and inadequate steps by the authorities to facilitate export.

Ironically, bumper harvests have often brought distress rather than relief to potato farmers. A lack of storage facilities-especially in the neighborhood of potato-producing areas-combined with an absence of market access and export mechanisms, leaves farmers with limited options. They are frequently forced to sell their produce at unreasonably low prices or suffer losses due to spoilage.

This issue is not unique to potatoes. Similar patterns are seen with other horticultural crops like tomatoes, leafy vegetables, and pineapples. However, the potato situation is perhaps more pressing due to the sheer volume of production and losses incurred.

Despite these challenges, farmers continue to cultivate potatoes, which remain a preferred crop for many due to their relatively low input requirements and adaptability. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) data show that over the years, despite losses incurred by farmers, land area for potato cultivation has been on the rise which goes to explain that farmers still prefer to stick to one of their favourite and relatively easy-to-grow crops. According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), total land area under potato cultivation has been on the increase since 2012 but for a slight fall in 2017. However, last year the country had to import potato due to domestic shortfall. In between July and November, local prices soared to Tk 70-90 a kg, prompting scrutiny of official production figures. Currently, retail prices of potatoes range between Tk 20 and 30 a kg throughout the country---the lowest in three years, suggesting a bumper crop and potential for even greater exports.

Given this context, the country appears poised for a substantial leap in potato exports. A report by The Financial Express, quoting exporters, noted that the current boom is fuelled by a combination of strong domestic yield, falling local prices, increasing international demand, development of new export-quality potato varieties, and slightly reduced cargo fares. Moreover, regional tensions have diverted a portion of export orders from India and Pakistan to Bangladesh, giving local exporters a strategic edge.

Global demand is high, and potatoes are now being exported at $300 per tonne, buoyed by a favourable exchange rate. Exporters are optimistic that another 20,000 tonnes will be shipped this season. Malaysia remains the top destination, with shipments expected to continue for another month, while exports to Nepal may extend  up to July.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladeshi potatoes are currently exported to 14 countries. Malaysia alone accounts for about 80 per cent of total shipments. Other significant markets include Singapore, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and several Middle Eastern nations. While Russia was once a key importer, exports there have since declined. EPB data also show that export earnings peaked in FY 2014 at over $33 million (from 106,000 tonnes). However, exports dwindled in subsequent years until the current resurgence.

Experts argue that sustainable growth in exports could offer the much-needed relief to farmers-provided the country adopts a more strategic approach. This includes aligning cultivation with the specific preferences and standards of importing countries, especially in terms of sanitary and phytosanitary compliance. Establishing proper storage facilities and developing logistics for timely exports are also essential.

A more organised and market-oriented approach could incentivise quality production, which in turn would be reflected in better prices for farmers. Such a shift would not only enhance rural incomes but also reduce the enormous waste that currently plagues the sector. With coordinated efforts from policymakers, exporters, and agricultural stakeholders, Bangladesh has a real opportunity to transform its potato surplus into a valuable export resource.

wasiahmed.bd@gmail.com