Potato Prices Spike Again in Bangladesh As Reports of Crop Damage Due to Cyclone Michaung Pour In

In recent weeks, potato prices in the kitchen markets across Bangladesh have experienced a significant increase. This surge comes after a brief period of reduced costs, leaving consumers grappling with the sudden price hike. The primary reason behind this upward trend is the crop damage caused by heavy rains due to Cyclone Michaung.

Potato prices have recently increased by BDT 20-25 (USD 0.18-0.23) per kg due to the crop damage caused by Cyclone Michaung. Previously priced at BDT 45-50 (USD 0.41-0.46) per kg, old potatoes are now being sold for BDT 80 (USD 0.73) per kg. Similarly, new season potatoes, priced at BDT 50-55 (USD 0.46-0.55) per kg, have risen to BDT 70 (USD 0.64) per kg.

Consumers have been burdened with high prices for three to four months, ranging from BDT 50-60 (0.46-0.55). This situation highlights the government's challenges in managing the market effectively, even with imports.

There is also a concern regarding a need for more seed potatoes in Munshiganj. Farmers and seed traders are worried about an insufficient supply for the upcoming planting season. This shortage may lead to some land being left uncultivated for potatoes.

Farmers and retailers attribute the rise in prices to reports of damaged crops, which has led to a decrease in supply. The weather conditions have affected both old and new potatoes, impacting farmers' losses and future planting.

Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc on potato crops across various districts in Bangladesh, with Munshiganj being one of the hardest-hit areas. Reports indicate that 13,877 hectares of land with potato plantations were damaged due to the cyclone's relentless rainfall. In Munshiganj alone, out of the district's total cultivated area of 16,200 hectares for potatoes, approximately 12,762 hectares suffered severe damage.

As per an estimate, around 0.3 million tonnes of potatoes will be lost due to the damaged land. This projection is based on an average yield of 22.90 tonnes per hectare during FY23.

Despite these losses, Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), reassures us that national production will not be significantly affected, The Business Standard, published from Dhaka, stated in a report on December 13.