The overproduction of potatoes encourages the development of the processing sector

In Bangladesh, potato production announces record volumes. These volumes are largely executory in relation to the national demand and the fresh potato exports remain weak, the solution to this problem would be the development of the processing sector.

 

 

 

Bangladesh is the world's 7th largest producer of potatoes. During the 2018-19 campaign the country produced 109 lakh tons (10.9 million tons). National demand annually reaches about 70 lakh tons (7 million tons) and the surplus volume is 40 lakh tons (4 million tons). Existing cold stores have capacities that are too low to house these surplus volumes. In the absence of markets, the cattle were fed with these potatoes.

 

 

 

In recent years exports of fresh potatoes have declined from 102,900 tonnes in 2013-14 to 53,400 tonnes in 2017-18. The committee, set up to explore new markets abroad, said that processed potato was the future of the country.

 

 

 

Bangladesh is already exporting various potato products (flakes, crackers, etc.) to 26 countries, and companies in the sector are beginning to develop their capacities.