RAJSHAHI, Dec 11: Acute scarcity of potato seeds has been prevailing here, casting an adverse impact on potato cultivation this season.

Sources in the local Agriculture Extension Department said production target of potato will not be achieved in the district this season.

Local farmers said Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) has failed to ensure adequate supply of potato seeds here. They also alleged they are not

getting quality seeds.

AED has fixed a target to bring 11,500 hectares oflands in nine thanas under the cultivation to produce 1.38.000 metric tons of potato.

Till November 30 only 8.000 hectares of lands were brought under the cultivation. Fanners will continue potato fanning up to the end of this month.

Some farmers in Paba thana said the month of November is the best time for potato cultivation. Delayed cultivation affects the productivity of the crop.

they added.

At present, seed sells between Taka 14 and Taka 16.

Growers said many lands meant for potato cultivation have not been prepared. Recent flood has played havoc with the farming, they added.

About 40 per cent lands in Baghmara thana, famous for potato cultivation in the district. have not been prepared yet. AED sources said around

85.000 metric tons of the crop are produced in the thana every year. '

Our Netrakona Correspondent adds: According to Agriculture Extension Department sources, the demand for seed in the district is 2,550 metric tons during the current season. But so far the supply has not been satisfactory, the sources added.

Local AED has fixed a target to bring about 1,500 hectares of

land under the cultivation to produce about 18.000 metric tons of potato.

Local farmers said Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) has failed to ensure adequate supply of potato seeds and the cultivation may face set back due to the scarcity.

Seed Department of BADC supplies seeds through its selected dealers. At present, the seed sells between Tk 15 and Tk

17 a kg.

According to official sources, the target has bejn fixed to bring 250 hectares of land under potato farming in Sadar thana. 125 hecates in At-para thana. 175 hectares in Kendua thana. 130 hectars in Madan thana. 125 hectaars in MohanganJ thana. 75 hectares in Khallajury thana. 150 hectares in Barhatta thana, 160 hectares in Kalmakanda thana. 160 hectares in Durgapur thana, and 150 hectares in Kir-badhala thana.