Crisis of quality seeds disheartens Rangpur potato cultivators

RANGPUR, Nov 17: The potato growers of Rangpur division are worried as they are facing severe crisis of quality seeds in the peak sowing season owing to scanty supply of it by Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).

Though the farmers began the season with new zeal and optimism, their hopes were nipped in the bud making them apprehensive as they found acute paucity of quality seeds prevailing in the region. Many farmers are yet to start sowing seeds in their lands although sowing season began in mid-October, sources alleged.

Disappointed peasants are now being compelled to purchase seeds at exorbitant prices from different seed producers like NGOs and private companies.

Due to scarce supply of quality seeds the farmers are being duped with substandard and low quality seeds. Consequently production target may not be achieved, it is apprehended.

According to Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources some 1,73,000 hectares of lands have been brought under potato cultivation in 8 districts of the division during the current season. The demand for potato seeds is 2,50,000 tonnes in the region but BADC supplied only 4,100 tonnes which is too inadequate in comparison with the demand.  

Farmers said they prefer BADC seeds because those are disease free and yield is excellent. A number of farmers said they have already sown seeds which they bought from market but are now concerned about the productivity of those seeds, they further said.

Many farmers also complained that they could not collect BADC seeds despite waiting in long queue for the whole day and had to return empty handed from government authorised outlets.

Sources said the price of 'A' grade potato seeds is Tk 38 per kg while 'B' grade is Tk 32 this season. Farmers apprehend that potato seed will eventually go to the hands of the dealers and traders as they are getting advance order from big farmers and seed companies to sell their allotted seeds at much higher rate. Many farmers said that last year they failed to preserve potato seeds as their potato fields got damaged on account of fungus attack. For this reason they are facing an acute dearth of quality potato seeds.

Admitting the crisis of potato seeds and its high prices deputy director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Rangpur Zulfikar Haider said the farmers can collect seeds from different NGOs and companies. They sought help from seed certification agency to monitor the market so that the farmers can get quality potato seeds at fair prices.

sayed.haqbd@gmail.com