The Aroma of Potatoes and the Lost Memories of Childhood

Hello dear friends,
I hope you all are doing well and spending a beautiful life with your loved ones. I wish you all happiness and peace.

It was around 2005 or 2006 — I was just a kid back then. Life was simple, full of joy, and free from the rush we feel today. At that time, one kilogram of potatoes cost only five taka. It sounds unbelievable now, but back then, potatoes were one of the most loved and affordable foods in every household. Families used to make countless dishes with potatoes — mashed potatoes, fried potatoes, potato curry, potatoes with fish, eggs, or lentils — every version was equally delicious.

Potatoes were also a common sight at local events and religious gatherings. Huge pots of boiled potatoes were fried and served — sometimes whole, sometimes cut in half. I still remember standing in line with my friends, waiting eagerly for that one or two pieces of fried potato that we could buy for just two taka. The taste was simple, yet it carried the joy of childhood — laughter, friendship, and pure happiness.

But as time passed, things began to change. Farmers gradually reduced potato cultivation, switching to other crops. As a result, the price of potatoes started to rise. The once “poor man’s food” became something almost luxurious. By 2024, the price reached an all-time high — 80 taka per kilogram, and in some areas, even 100 taka! That was a record in Bangladesh’s history. I remember going to the market and feeling shocked — it was hard to believe that the humble potato had become so expensive.

Thankfully, the situation turned around this year. Because of last year’s high prices, farmers were encouraged to cultivate more potatoes. The increased production helped reduce the price drastically. Now, potatoes are being sold for only 15 taka per kilogram. When I heard that, it instantly brought back old memories — those childhood days when potatoes were everywhere on the dining table.

Feeling nostalgic, I decided to relive that old taste once again. Yesterday, I boiled some potatoes, cut them in half, and lightly fried them with onions, green chilies, and coriander leaves. The aroma filled the room, and with the first bite, I felt as if I had traveled back to 2005 — when my mother cooked fried potatoes for lunch, and we enjoyed every piece with warm rice and endless smiles.

Potatoes are not just a vegetable — they are a part of our memories, a part of our emotional connection with simpler times. Seeing the prices drop again feels comforting. It means the farmers are doing better, people can afford basic food more easily, and memories of the past are returning through familiar smells and flavors.

In truth, the economy, agriculture, and people’s lives are all connected. The falling price of potatoes doesn’t just reflect market trends; it symbolizes the hard work of farmers, the relief of ordinary people, and the revival of our connection with our roots.

Even today, whenever I smell freshly fried potatoes, it feels like I’m touching a piece of my childhood again — a reminder that no matter how times change, some tastes remain timeless.