"In the lure of votes, one forgets about the potatoes."

Last year, Masum Mia suffered a severe financial blow cultivating potatoes on ten acres of land, incurring losses of 1.8 million taka. The burden of this loss has fallen heavily on his family, forcing him to sell three of his cows to cope with expenses. This year, fearing further setbacks, he has reduced his cultivation to just 3.48 acres. Yet if market prices remain unfavourable, he warns, he may be forced off the land entirely.

On Thursday morning, Masum Mia and four other local potato farmers shared their concerns at Talatala Market, located along the Rangpur–Sundarganj regional highway in the Rangpur-4 constituency (Pirganj–Kaunia). This seat sees competition primarily among Akhtar Hossain of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Party and 11-party coalition, Mohammad Emdadul Haque of the BNP, and Abu Naser Shah Md. Mahbubar Rahman of the Jatiya Party. While other candidates are contesting, the principal rivalry remains among these three.

Local farmers say candidates actively seek votes but rarely acknowledge the hardships potato growers face, nor propose solutions.

A field survey across the villages of Choto Kallyani, Swachash, Bordorga, Kaluk Poshua, Bor Hajra, and Nabdiganj revealed vast stretches dedicated almost entirely to potato cultivation. Some farmers grow on their own land, while others lease fields. According to residents, 95 per cent of households here are engaged in potato farming.

Chalim Uddin of Choto Kallyani lamented, “They only want votes. Nobody asks about our potatoes. Nobody listens to our suffering.” Last year, Chalim lost 150,000 taka and is currently sustaining his family through a microcredit loan. With 30–40 days until harvest, he spends each day torn between hope and anxiety.

Rangpur has become a hub of potato production, leading all 64 districts for three consecutive years. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Rangpur has 189,514 hectares of arable land, 28–29 per cent of which is dedicated to potato cultivation. However, this year, the planted area has fallen from 66,280 hectares in 2025 to 54,500 hectares—a reduction of 11,780 hectares.

High production costs, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation, labour, and storage, have discouraged farmers. Last year, the average cost of producing one kilogram of potatoes in Rangpur was 17.80 taka, while the average market price was just 8 taka per kilogram. In addition, poor storage infrastructure and exploitative intermediaries reduce both quality and export potential.

Upazila agriculture officer Md. Hosen Ali Gazi noted that potatoes have transformed the local economy, funding better houses and infrastructure. Yet, despite these gains, interest in cultivation is waning. Farmers believe government intervention is essential—particularly investment in large-scale cold storage and regulation of seed, fertiliser, and pesticide markets.

Even amid adversity, some farmers remain resolute. Suman Kumar Sharma, applying urea to his potato crops in Swachash, said, “Even if I face losses, this is my only way forward. Agriculture is our livelihood.”

The stark contrast between the economic potential of potato farming and the risks involved underscores the urgent need for policy support, fair pricing mechanisms, and improved storage facilities to sustain Rangpur’s potato belt.