Farmers in the Rangpur district of Bangladesh are transitioning to vegetable cultivation across eight upazilas, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). This shift is driven by favorable profits associated with vegetable farming. The adoption of modern technology is reported to have increased vegetable production.
Around 13,600 hectares have been dedicated to various vegetables, including eggplant, cucumber, ladies finger, bitter gourd, arum, pumpkin, pointed gourd, bottle gourd, snake gourd, and yard-long bean. Traders from across the country purchase these vegetables for distribution to other regions, as noted by the DAE.
The popularity of vegetable cultivation is also rising in char areas, where landless farmers and those facing financial difficulties are finding economic opportunities. Previously, these farmers cultivated wheat, jute, and other crops, but are now shifting to vegetables due to better profitability.
Rubel Mia, a grower from Haragachh, Kaunia Upazila, The Financial Express that he cultivated pointed gourd on 0.17 hectares of land, earning approximately $230. He anticipates further income this season, stating, "Many farmers have eliminated the curse of poverty by growing vegetables."
Another farmer, Sobhan Mia from Ranipukur, Mithapukur Upazila, switched from wheat to yard-long bean cultivation on 0.16 hectares of land, citing unsatisfactory wheat profits last year. He expressed optimism about the ongoing season's profits.
Ahidul from Ikorchali, Taraganj Upazila, earned about $220 from okra cultivation on 0.18 hectares of land. Ashraful from Nabdiganj, Pirgachha Upazila, earned approximately $200 from bitter gourd on 0.14 hectares, using eco-friendly pheromone traps instead of pesticides. He noted, "The demand for such poison-free vegetables is higher."
Ekramul, a trader from Dhaka, finds that Rangpur's markets offer fresh vegetables at reasonable prices. Due to abundant yields, local growers urge the government to implement preservation measures to stabilize prices year-round.
Agriculturist Md Enamul Haque told The FE that the profitability of vegetables is encouraging farmers to pursue this cultivation, with DAE officials providing necessary advice and technical support for optimal yields.
Source: Financial Express