Govt permits potato import again

The government has once again allowed import of potatoes to regain control over the volatile market.
Over the past three days, more than 60 importers were granted permission by the agriculture ministry to bring in 94,000 tonnes of potatoes.
Under the move, a total of 25 tonnes of potato arrived in Bangladesh through Dinajpur's Hili land port from India on Saturday afternoon.
As a result, the price of potatoes came down by Tk 10-15 per kg in retail markets in the district.
However, the retail market still saw potato prices range from Tk 50-60 per kg, higher by 110 per cent than a year ago, as reported by the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB).
In the Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Rajshahi regions, the wholesale price fluctuates between Tk 32-38 per kg, according to the Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA).
Interestingly, the decision to allow potato imports coincides with the ongoing peak harvest season in the country.
Nevertheless, the government had previously sanctioned over 1.0 million tonnes of potatoes this year, with importers bringing in 80,000 tonnes between June and  October, as per the Plant Quarantine Wing of the agriculture ministry.
The record-high potato prices in June-August, reaching Tk 65-75 per kg, led to the government's historic decision to permit imports after decades. Subsequently, the import was restricted with the onset of local harvest and a partial decline in prices.
The agriculture ministry claims that potato farming has covered a total of 4.6 million hectares of land, with a target to produce 11.6 million tonnes this season.
However, Assistant Director of the Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM), TM Rashed Khan, notes a double blow to potato production in October and November due to cyclonic storms affecting Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.
Despite later replanting efforts, the losses incurred during the storms and rain should not be overlooked.
Value chain expert Dr. Rashidul Hasan suggests that the decline in acreage this year, as farmers switched to other crops after heavy rain and storms in October, must be considered.
He emphasizes the need for the agriculture ministry to provide accurate production data to formulate timely import and export policies.
Last year, the ministry initially projected a production of 11 million tonnes, later revised to a maximum of 10.4 million tonnes, whereas the BCSA claimed production was 9.0 million tonnes.
Dr. Hasan recommends permitting imports on a limited scale until April to prevent a drastic fall in domestic market prices, which could adversely affect farmers.
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