Golai:Golai village: As the morning sun rises, farmers in Golai village, Godagari, are already hard at work in the fields. They are preparing for the early winter vegetable season with high hopes of profiting from the initial market prices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, farmers in the Barendra region are cultivating various early winter vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, gourd, tomato, and more. They aim to capitalize on higher early-season market prices to boost their income.
Ali Asgar, a farmer from Golai village, has a background in civil engineering but chose to return to agriculture. He is currently cultivating early winter vegetables on 10 bighas of land. Asgar has invested around Tk 6 lakh in his crops and is optimistic about making a profit of Tk 4-5 lakh if the weather remains favorable.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amin from Kadamshahar, Deopara Union, is also anticipating a good return from his four bighas of vegetable cultivation, which cost him Tk 1,26,700. Amin expects to earn Tk 3-3.5 lakh, provided there are no natural calamities. He credits the Department of Agricultural Extension for providing training and field-level advice, which helps farmers tackle crop diseases and improve production.
The Barendra region is bustling with agricultural activities, with seedlings being planted and crops tended to. However, challenges such as excessive rainfall and insect attacks have affected some crops. Despite these issues, farmers remain hopeful of a profitable season. The Department of Agricultural Extension is actively supporting these efforts by offering field-level guidance and promoting the use of organic fertilisers.
Godagari Upazila Agriculture Officer Mariam Ahmed noted that early vegetables are being cultivated on approximately 1,841 hectares in the upazila this season, with a variety of crops including cauliflower and early tomatoes. The target for winter vegetable cultivation in the Barendra region is around 15,000 hectares, with more than 3,000 hectares already planted.
With continued support and favorable weather, farmers in the Barendra region are optimistic that their hard work will result in high yields and increased incomes this season.