TBT DESK: Farmers in the Rangpur agricultural region have produced 39,862 tonnes of sweet potatoes during the just-ended 2024-2025 Rabi season, marking a slight increase in yield compared to the previous season.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), cultivation took place across 1,653 hectares of land in the five districts of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari. This was 242 hectares less than the season's target of 1,895 hectares, mainly due to farmers prioritising the cultivation of winter vegetables, maize, and potato.
Despite the shortfall in cultivated area, production increased by 174 tonnes compared to the 39,688 tonnes harvested in the 2023-2024 season. Farmers reported satisfactory market prices, with sweet potatoes selling at Tk 1,300 to Tk 1,400 per maund (40 kg), depending on variety and quality.
Agricultural officials credited the increase in cultivation to farmers in char and riverside areas who have successfully utilised sandy and sandy-loamy lands, which require minimal inputs like fertiliser and irrigation. These marginal lands have proved suitable for sweet potato farming, contributing to the crop's growing popularity in the region.
The DAE highlighted that sweet potato cultivation is gaining traction not only for its economic viability but also for its nutritional value. The crop is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and protein, and is being promoted as an alternative food to reduce pressure on rice consumption.
With rising awareness and market demand, sweet potato is becoming a promising crop for food security and income generation in northwestern Bangladesh.