According to a research report by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), the quantity of surplus potatoes in the country has been decreasing since 2017. If this trend continues, experts fear that the net surplus in potatoes may soon turn into a net deficit. They say that to deal with this situation, it is necessary to take quick steps to increase productivity. Otherwise, there is a strong danger of Bangladesh becoming import-dependent for potatoes.
According to the BARC research data, the net surplus of potato is decreasing every year even as the net demand for potato is increasing consistently. In 2017, the net demand of potatoes in the country was 6,271,000 tons. By 2020, it will increase to 6,817,000 tons. On the other hand, in 2017, the surplus of potatoes in the country was 1,385,000 tons. By 2020 it will come down to 340,000 tons.
The study was conducted in the context of market volatility for potato, onion and rice in 2020. The sector stakeholders say that the demand for potatoes in the country is much higher now compared to that time.
Source: dailyindustry.news