Sweet potatoes grown in the char areas of Bogra’s Sariakandi upazila are now reaching international markets, specifically Japan. Once considered a "poor man's crop" grown only for subsistence, sweet potatoes have transformed into a lucrative commercial export, drawing significant interest from local farmers.
A Japanese firm, Naruto Japan Company Limited, is driving this change by sourcing produce directly from the fields. According to the Upazila Agriculture Department, the cultivation target for this season was 480 hectares, but farmers exceeded expectations by planting 485 hectares. Of this, about 150 bighas are dedicated to the Naruto project.
The Naruto Japan Company has signed agreements with 120 farmers in the Narchi and Godagari chars. Under this partnership, farmers are growing the Kokoi-14 variety. To encourage production, the company provides seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides free of charge.
While the company purchased the crop for 580 BDT per maund last year, the price has been increased to 650–700 BDT this season.
Local farmers are reaping the benefits of this guaranteed market. Rumon Mia, a farmer from Godagari village, noted that yields reach 250 to 300 maunds per acre, potentially earning up to 2 lakh BDT. Since the company covers input costs, farmers only bear the expense of labor and harvesting.
Another farmer, Faltu Mia, highlighted the profitability: "With a production cost of about 15,000 BDT per bigha and a selling price of 60,000 BDT, we can make a profit of 45,000 BDT in just 120 days."
Md. Shahatab Hossain (Sanjay), Naruto Japan’s field officer, explained that the company processes these potatoes into boiled snacks, chips, sweets, and frozen products.
Sariakandi Upazila Agriculture Officer, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, emphasized that the char soil is ideal for this crop. "This initiative is paving the way for foreign currency earnings," he said. He added that the Kokoi-14 variety is particularly unique because it is tasty and can be consumed with the skin, unlike traditional varieties.
