Rangpur: The expansive char areas and dried-up riverbeds in the Rangpur agricultural region are witnessing a transformation as they become lush with the growth of winter crops, turning the landscape a vibrant green.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) have reported that approximately one lakh hectares of land are expected to be utilized for crop farming during the 2025-2026 Rabi season in Rangpur. This agricultural endeavor spans the char lands across the five districts of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari.
The fertile conditions of the dried-up riverbeds and char bottoms, enriched by silt deposits from recent floods, have facilitated the robust growth of tender winter crop plants. Krishibid Md Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of the DAE for the Rangpur region, noted that annually, around 82,000 hectares in these districts are dedicated to winter crop cultivation.
Remarkably, these efforts yield about six lakh tonnes of crops, valued at Taka 1,200 crore each year. Farmers are increasingly employing intercropping and mixed-relay methods to optimize harvests before the rainy season begins in May.
Md Mamunur Rashid, a PhD Fellow from Dinajpur Haji Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology, highlighted the expanding cultivation on char lands, which now include crops such as potato, sweet pumpkin, sesame, linseed, squash, and various vegetables. The fertile wetlands and alluvial plains of major rivers like the Brahmaputra and Teesta have become bustling agricultural zones.
Rashid further indicated that the harvest season will commence from late December. Meanwhile, Dr. Md Abu Sayem, Deputy Director at Burirhat Horticulture Centre in Rangpur, emphasized the positive economic impact of expanded crop cultivation in these areas, noting improved livelihoods and increased self-reliance among char families.
Residents of char villages like Paschim Mohipur and Chhalapak are actively engaged in sowing seeds and tending to their crops. Farmers such as Anwar Hossain anticipate substantial profits from the sale of crops like onions and 'Khira' by the end of December.
Other local farmers, including the couples Shahinur Islam and Fancy Begum, and Aminul Islam and Ummey Kulsum, are also optimistic about their projected earnings from diversified crop cultivation on their char lands. The recurring success of these initiatives continues to bolster the char economy and improve the fortunes of countless residents in the region.