Policy Paper: Potato Denotification in Bangladesh

In 2019, Bangladesh introduced a policy change by declaring potato a “non-notified” crop. The aim was to improve access to varieties, encourage private sector involvement, and support the development of export markets. Nearly six years later, this decision is being reviewed. This policy paper, developed under the Bangladesh–Netherlands Seed Platform, takes stock of the available evidence and reflects on how the sector has evolved since then.

The analysis shows that the policy has contributed to a strong increase in the number of potato varieties available, with many new entries coming from private companies. This has expanded the range of options for farmers and created new opportunities for export-oriented production. At the same time, the paper notes that greater availability does not necessarily mean widespread use in practice, and that important questions remain about adoption, export performance, and seed system functioning.

A key conclusion is that the current evidence base is still limited. There is no clear indication that stricter regulation is needed, but there is a clear need for better data and further analysis. The paper calls for targeted follow-up research and improved data systems to support informed decision-making. By combining insights from research, policy, and practice, it contributes to a more grounded discussion on the future of the potato sector in Bangladesh. Access the paper below: