DHAKA: Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque said potato is one of the important crops in the world, including Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, potato is the fourth place after rice, wheat and maize. So, the international potato center will be set up in Bangladesh.

The minister said this during a meeting with a three-member delegation led by regional coordinator of the International Potato Center (CIP) Dr U.S. Singh in the ministry on Thursday (July 27).

At the same time, it is also talked about Potato late blight fungus, he added.

The agriculture minister said potatoes are grown everywhere in Bangladesh. Due to favorable weather, farmers are widely cultivated potatoes in some new areas across the country. However, the longtime-used potato varieties will have to change. To enter the international market, it has to produce potatoes as per market demand. We need to cultivate potatoes more than we need.

In the meeting, Dr U.S. Singh said, “Late blight fungus is one of the major potato deceases in India. India is still one of the largest potato chips exporters in the world. A potato center has to be set up in Bangladesh, as there is no such potato cultivation in East Asia”.

In view of the proposal, the minister said that land will be given for the center in Bangladesh. However, technical support will be provided by CIP.

The Agriculture Minister sought the help of the International Potato Center (CIP) for the development and processing of potato varieties.

Money is not a problem for the agriculture sector, the minister said, adding “We want your cooperation (International Potato Center) on how to develop and process potato varieties and get into the international market”.

Due to favorable weather and soil, about 30 varieties of potato are grown in some districts. Last year, the production of potatoes has increased by almost 30 lakh tonnes more than our demand. In addition, nutritious sweet potatoes are being cultivated in our country. 

Members of the delegation assured Bangladesh of all cooperation in this sector, he added.

BDST: 1828 HRS, JULY 25, 2019
RS/SMS