PROFITABILITY AND POST-HARVEST PROBLEMS OF POTATO CULTIVATION IN RANGPUR DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Potato is third largest food crop in Bangladesh by tonnage of production. Its acreage and production are also increasing in day after day. This study was accomplished to examine the profitability and post-harvest problems of potato cultivation in Rangpur district of Bangladesh. A total of 40 cultivators were selected from two villages of Pirganj upazila of Rangpur district. Data were collected through farm survey by using a suitable pre-tested questionnaire in February to March, 2018. Descriptive statistics and problems faced index (PFI) were used to attain the objectives. Average gross return, gross margin and net return were found Tk. 392,012, Tk. 197,866 and Tk.127,835, respectively. Benefit cost ratio was found 1.48. Land preparation, human labour, seed, fertilizer, insecticides, irrigations and harvesting cost were the key factors of potato production. The study identified some major post-harvest problems, unavailability of quality seed, storage problem, holding capacity problem, lower market price, transportation problem, lack of public procurement and load shedding. The potato cultivators opined that potato production would be economically viable if quality seeds with affordable price, processing facilities, storage facilities, marketing facilities, fertilizer or insecticides with reasonable price are ensured.