Bangladesh, Sept. 21 -- Farmers in Joypurhat have been busy planting early-variety potatoes in the hope of securing better market prices and higher profits, even as the agriculture department discourages the practice amid concerns over unfavourable weather and unsold stocks from last season.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a target has been set to cultivate early-variety potatoes on around 6,000 hectares of land in the district this season.

However, the agriculture department is discouraging early potato cultivation due to the risk of financial losses.

During visits to fields in Kalai, Khetlal and Joypurhat Sadar upazilas, farmers were seen ploughing land, applying fertilisers and carefully planting potato...