As the adverse effects of global climate change become more apparent, researchers expect a reduction in potato production this season due to unfavorable conditions for winter croppers. Potatoes require temperatures of 18-21 degrees Celsius from planting to maturity, according to the Bangladesh Agro Meteorological Information Portal.
Production is inhibited when the temperature goes beyond 25 degrees Celsius and drops below 15 degrees Celsius. According to the Meteorological Department and the Weather Channel, the maximum temperature in December was between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius in 2018-20, but it soared to 31 degrees Celsius in 2021. As a result, this season's potato harvest could be severely hampered by late winter and unexpected rainfall in December 2021.
According to the Met Office and the Agriculture Extension Department, farmers had nearly finished planting potato seeds by December, but the temperature began to drop on 29 and 30 December 2021. Bangladesh's winter season lasts from November to February. If it leaves earlier than usual this season, potato plants will not receive the optimal temperature required during their 90-day life cycle. In the last 40 years, the implications of global climate change have been abundantly obvious. During this time, Bangladesh's average temperature has risen by around 1 degree Celsius. With increasing temperatures, sudden cyclones, severe rainfall, and droughts occur in tandem. According to researchers, if immediate action is not made, the agricultural industry would pay a high price due to climate change.