Bangladesh intends to export large surplus of potatoes

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi addresses the media during an AGM of Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) in Dhaka

February 26, 2019

Source

Dhaka Tribune

Commerce Minister of Bangladesh, Tipu Munshi said earlier this month that Bangladesh has a surplus production of potato after meeting domestic demand.

How big is the potato surplus in Bangladesh?

Media in Bangladesh report that the estimated surplus is 35 metric tons which must be incorrect as it equals about two truckloads.

After consulting a local potato industry expert, we assume the surplus to be 35 lakh metric tonnes, or 3.5 million tonnes

Annual potato production in Bangladesh is around 10 million metric tons, making Bangladesh the 7^th largest potato producing country in the world (2017).

Need potatoes? Bangladesh has lots available!

Tipu Munshi, Commerce Minister of Bangladesh:

“The surplus potato would be exported, but the potato must be produced maintaining required quality.”

The minister was addressing the annual general meeting of Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) in Dhaka as the chief guest.

Mentioning that Bangladesh cannot export potato to Russia and few other countries due to different complexities, Tipu said the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has identified some problems and those are being solved.

The minister said the government is giving emphasis potato export that is why research on potato should be carried out.

Farmers are not getting actual price even after preserving potato in the cold storage, he said, adding the government is working keeping the issue of fair price and damage so that potato is turned into a valuable product.

FBCCI President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, BCSA first vice president Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury and executive committee member Mustafa Azad Chowdhury Babu also spoke on the occasion with BCSA President M Mosharaf Hossain in the chair.