The National Consumer Rights Protection Department in Bangladesh recently reported that genuine farmers are not benefiting from subsidized loans as intended by the government. The report highlights unethical practices in the potato market, where cold storage owners obtain loans in the name of farmers and force them to sell potatoes at lower prices through agents. This has resulted in potatoes being sold at 10-12 Bangladeshi Taka per kilogram. Agents exert significant control over potato prices, making direct purchases from cold storage difficult. Slips issued for stored potatoes often lack owner contact information, raising concerns of fraud or mismanagement.
The report suggests selling potatoes at government-fixed prices, maintaining transparent pricing lists, establishing monitoring cells, and ensuring fair pricing for farmers. It also recommends implementing crop insurance, improving access to agricultural loans through mobile apps, and enhancing data management in agriculture. Despite recent price adjustments for some agricultural products, potato prices remain high, posing ongoing market challenges.
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