Bangladesh has commenced potato exports through Chattogram Port, with an initial shipment of 56,000 kilogrammes set sail for Malaysia on Sunday.
Industry stakeholders anticipate that this development will bring much-needed relief to farmers, buoyed by a strong domestic harvest.
Just a few weeks ago, Bangladesh had to rely on imports to meet domestic demand, with potatoes brought in from India through land ports in multiple phases.
However, with a favourable yield this season, local traders have now shifted to export.
The shipment, loaded into containers on 2 February, is being exported by Dhaka-based firm Agrotech BD.
The consignment, weighing precisely 55,900 kilogrammes, is destined for Malaysia's MLF Trading Sdn Bhd. The logistics of dispatching the cargo via Chattogram Port have been handled by C&F agent Sky Sea Land Shipping Line.
According to Agrotech BD official Emdadul Islam, "This is the first batch of new potatoes being exported to Malaysia. The consignment will reach the importer via Port Klang. Given the robust production this year, we expect a surge in potato exports."
Bangladesh has seen an abundant harvest this season, with key potato-producing regions including Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Bogura, Joypurhat, and Munshiganj.
The local yield is not only meeting domestic demand but also allowing for surplus exports.
Historically, Bangladesh refrained from importing potatoes since independence until the 2022–23 fiscal year.
However, to stabilise market prices, the Ministry of Commerce permitted imports from 30 October 2023.
Shah Alam, deputy director of the Chattogram Port Plant Quarantine Centre, remarked, "Locally grown potatoes are now fulfilling domestic needs while also making their way to international markets. This export initiative will benefit farmers with better prices. However, if Bangladesh had sufficient cold storage facilities, surplus potatoes could be stored and exported gradually, optimising the trade further."
Potato exporter Arif Azad Prince welcomed the development, stating, "New potato exports are commencing this February. It is encouraging to see the country exporting after meeting local demand."
Meanwhile, Iqbal Bahar Saikat, Operations Manager of Walk & SA Ltd, added, "Not long ago, potatoes were on the import list, but now, with a bumper yield, we foresee record exports this season. We are actively sourcing potatoes from northern farmers, and our shipments will be dispatched soon."
According to Chattogram Port authorities, Bangladesh exports potatoes to Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Vietnam, and Brunei.
Among these, Malaysia remains the largest importer. The key potato varieties exported include Diamond, Kambika, Granola, Cardinal, and Manila, with Diamond and Granola commanding the highest demand.
