PROFITABILITY OF POTATO PRODUCTION IN SOME SELECTED AREAS OF JOYPURHAT DISTRICT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the profitability of potato growers in three locations namely Kalai Upazilla, Khetlal Upazilla, and Akkelpur Upazilla under Joypurhat District. Primary data was acquired from a random sample of 20 farmers in each study location. A total of 60 farmers was included in the study. In this study, both tabular and functional analyses were used. The study's main findings demonstrate that potato production was profitable. The total cost, gross returns and net returns of potato production was Tk. 173222.52, Tk. 273691 and Tk. 100468.48 per hectare respectively in the study areas. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) was 1.58, implying that 1 taka invested in potato production yielded Tk. 1.58 in return. Potato growers faced a number of problems, including high fertilizer and insecticide prices, lack of quality seed, and a low price of product during the late harvesting period. The yield of potatoes could be increased by using a new modern variety. Major recommendations include the need for both the government and private institutions to take initiatives to assure the availability of high-quality HYV seeds at reasonable price at farmers' doorsteps. To improve the current situation, the government should take the necessary steps to train farmers about the proper use of inputs through DAE personnel. The government should also take initiatives to search for new markets for potatoes during the harvesting season so that they can get the desirable price.