The fields of Munshiganj are turning busy again. The district's Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set this season's potato target at 34,660 hectares, the same area as last year.
Sadar upazila leads with 9,581 hectares. Tongibari follows with 9,070 and Sirajdikhan with 8,958. Lohajang plans 3,109 hectares, Gazaria 1,998 and Sreenagar 1,944.
One change stands out this year. DAE Deputy Director Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman says enough seed is available for Sunshine and Shantana, two varieties that work well for chips and other processed foods. Most local farmers have long relied on the Diamond variety, which sells mainly as table potatoes. Moving part of the crop toward processing types could open new buyers and steadier prices.
To protect farmers at planting time, seed prices are capped at Tk 15,000 per box. District Commissioner Syeda Nurmahal Ashrafi has told dealers not to charge above that limit.
Munshiganj is one of the country's biggest potato districts, and the crop shapes the local economy from cold storage to transport. A good start to planting is welcome news for thousands of families.
Farmers who face seed overcharging can contact their upazila agriculture office.
