The Untapped Potential of Tuber Crops in Bangladesh

Tanzila Rahman, UAO, DAE, Ramu, Coxs Bazar

Tanzila Rahman

Tuber crops are important food crops in Bangladesh—potatoes and sweet potatoes being the most popular ones. Other important tuber crops include cassava, yams, and taro. Known for their versatility, these crops serve as both staple and supplementary food sources, making them vital for the country's food security and economic stability. With a growing population and increasing demand for diverse food products, the importance of tuber crops in Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape continues to expand.

Not only in Bangladesh tuber crops are cultivated widely throughout the world because they play a crucial role in food systems, industries, and economies due to their adaptability, productivity, and nutritional value. Tuber crops serve as dietary staples in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. For example, cassava is a primary source of calories for over 800 million people globally.

Beyond their role as food, tuber crops are used extensively in various industries. 

Starch extracted from tubers is crucial for producing paper, textiles, and adhesives, while cassava serves as a raw material for bioethanol production.

Additionally, these crops have applications in the pharmaceutical industry for manufacturing medicinal products.

Tuber crops are rich in carbohydrates, making them a primary energy source for millions of people. Sweet potatoes and yams also offer a high concentration of essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A and potassium. These nutritional benefits make tuber crops a vital component of a balanced diet in Bangladesh.

Tuber crops contribute significantly to Bangladesh's agricultural economy.

Potatoes, for instance, are the second most-produced crop after rice and wheat, while occupying third place in terms of cultivated land area. The surplus production supports local businesses, export opportunities, and job creation in rural areas.

The Bangladesh Government with a view to explore the untapped potential of tuber crops has undertaken special project. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) plays a pivotal role in promoting the cultivation and production of tuber crops across Bangladesh. The DAE is working in the following fields:

Awareness and Training Programs

DAE organizes workshops and training sessions for farmers to educate them about modern cultivation techniques, pest management, and sustainable practices. These initiatives aim to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. Recently a fair on tuber crops was held in Cox’s Bazar under the auspices of DAE.

Seed Distribution and Support

In order to ensure high-quality yields, DAE facilitates the distribution of certified seeds and provides technical support to farmers. This initiative has been instrumental in increasing the acreage under tuber crop cultivation in various regions of the country.

Research and Development

DAE collaborates with agricultural research institutions to develop and promote high-yield and disease-resistant tuber crop varieties. This not only enhances production but also ensures resilience against climate change and environmental challenges. Tuber crops are climate-resilient, thriving in marginal soils and under drought conditions. This makes them a strategic choice for farmers facing the impacts of global warming, ensuring consistent income and food supply.

Conclusion

Tuber crops are more than just a food source; they are a cornerstone of agricultural sustainability and economic development in Bangladesh. Through the efforts of the Department of Agricultural Extension, these crops are gaining the attention and resources they deserve. Post-harvest losses, inadequate infrastructure, and fluctuating market prices often limit the economic potential of tuber crops and these limitations need to be overcome for tapping the full potentials of tuber crops in Bangladesh.

(Tanzila Rahman is Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO) of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Ramu, Cox’s Bazar)