Khulna: Aklima Begum, a 40-year-old resident of Angardah village in Dumuria upazila, Khulna, has significantly changed her life by cultivating hyacinth beans, commonly known as shim. She has become an inspiring figure for women in rural areas through her successful farming practices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Aklima began her journey in 2016 by farming beans on leased land, driven by the need to support her speech-impaired husband and two children. Last year, she invested Tk 3 lakh on one bigha of land, earning a Tk 2 lakh profit. The profits from her farming endeavors have enabled her to build a brick house, purchase household appliances, and start a cattle farm.
Dumuria upazila, once known for shrimp farming, has now become a major hub for vegetable production, particularly hyacinth beans. The crop has grown into a Tk 170-crore industry, transforming the lives of rural communities in 226 villages and bringing women to the forefront of agricultural activities.
According to the Dumuria upazila agriculture office, approximately 800 hectares of land are dedicated to shim farming in two seasons. Last year, summer varieties such as Bari-3, Biscuit, and Rupshee Bangla produced 7,600 tonnes valued at Tk 107 crore, while winter cultivation yielded 10,500 tonnes worth Tk 63 crore.
A total of 2,280 farmers are involved in shim cultivation, with 910 women directly participating in sowing, caring, and harvesting. Upazila Agriculture Officer Inshad Ibne Amin stated, "Shim farming has empowered women and diversified agriculture in Dumuria."
The growing popularity of shim has led to the creation of a vibrant trade ecosystem. Along the Khulna-Satkhira highway and nearby village roads, at least 23 markets now trade beans, including six wholesale hubs. More than 7,000 individuals, comprising farmers, traders, transporters, and laborers, are directly engaged in the value chain.
Veteran farmer Parimal Mondal of Shovna mentioned that vegetable farming existed in the area during the British era, led by the Kapali community. "Now, beans are once again changing Dumuria's landscape," he added.
Professor Dr. Monirul Islam of Khulna University remarked that bean farming has become a symbol of empowerment and economic resilience. "For women like Aklima, it represents dignity and financial independence. For Dumuria, it reduces dependency on shrimp and builds climate resilience," he told BSS.
Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Khulna Agriculture Zone, reported that 6,135 tonnes of shim were produced from 500 hectares in the zone covering Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, and Narail. He noted that over 50 percent of the Zone's shim production comes from Dumuria alone.
Once known for shrimp, Dumuria is now at the center of a vegetable revolution led by women and powered by beans.