Profitability Assessment of Shilbilati Potato Farmers and Intermediaries Using Traditional Storage Systems in Rangpur, Bangladesh

Abstract

Shilbilati potato, a traditionally significant variety of potato, is grown in norther Rangpur district of Bangladesh, despite its lower yield compared to the high yield varieties of potatoes. This study evaluates the profitability of Shilbilati potato farmers and intermediaries using traditional storage as this varieties of potatoes are stored for a shorter period of time and traditional storage system is also cost effective for the users. Data of 100 Shilbilati potato farmers and 30 intermediaries were collected using simple random sampling technique from Mithapukur and Badarganj upazilas of Rangpur district in Bangladesh. Tabular analysis and statistical method were used to measure the profitability. However, the results revealed that small farmers earned higher net benefit (Tk. 176.39/quintal) compared to the large farmers as small farmers have to handle lower storage and handling costs. Moreover, retailers earned more profit (Tk. 140.48/quintal) followed by the beparies (Tk. 117.94/quintal). The study also find that although storage is advantageous for all the market players of Shilbilati potato but retailers are the most benefitted group as their marketing margin (106.90 Tk./quintal) is higher than others. The findings provide valuable insights to the policymakers to improve the potato value chain in Bangladesh.