RN Desk: Potato is an important cash crop and the fourth largest crop in the world after rice, wheat, and maize. In terms of yield and production, it is the second-largest food crop in Bangladesh. However, most of the potato varieties cultivated in the country are used for consumption rather than industrial processing or export. Due to the lack of suitable varieties, the use of potatoes in industries and exports remains significantly low.

In response to this challenge, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken timely initiatives to introduce several industrial and export-oriented potato varieties. Among them, ACI Potato-10 (Valencia), marketed by ACI, stands out. This variety is highly suitable for making French fries and exporting due to its outstanding characteristics—80% of the potatoes weigh over 100 grams, oil absorption capacity is only 0.2%, sugar content is 3%, and dry matter exceeds 22.5%.

According to AgroTech BD’s Chief, Mosharaf Farhad, he has already exported 375 metric tons of Valencia potatoes to Malaysia this year from Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Gaibandha districts. He stated that due to its size, shape, and bright attractive color, the demand for Valencia potatoes is continuously increasing in foreign markets. He further mentioned that from next year onwards, he plans to export premium-quality Valencia potatoes in specialized packaging.

Ratan Banerjee, a potato farmer from Babupura village in Chandonpat Union of Rangpur Sadar Upazila, cultivated Valencia potatoes on 11 acres of land this year. He is optimistic about higher profits, as 80% of the harvested potatoes become export-worthy within just 80 days of planting.

Agriculturist Anwar Hossain, Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Rangpur, visited the Valencia potato fields and expressed confidence that exporting this variety would contribute significantly to foreign currency earnings and the prosperity of Bangladeshi farmers.

Valencia potatoes require less fertilizer and pesticides, reducing farmers’ production costs. Additionally, early harvesting (within 55-60 days) enables higher profits. In the 2024-2025 season, farmers in Joypurhat, Bogura, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Dinajpur, Munshiganj, Cumilla, and Chandpur achieved high profits by cultivating Valencia potatoes.

Most farmers reported that if harvested within 75-80 days, the yield could reach 40-42 metric tons per hectare, making Valencia a promising variety for industrial use and exports.