Rangpur:Farmers across the Rangpur agricultural region have begun cultivating early varieties of winter vegetables on croplands, fallow land, char areas, and around their homes in anticipation of good profits this season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, many farmers in both mainland and riverine char areas are growing different varieties of winter vegetables without using pesticides. This approach is generating fresher and safer produce, which is fetching good prices in local markets. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has implemented several initiatives to encourage this cultivation, particularly among rural communities and women.
Krishibid Md Saiful Islam, the Additional Director of DAE in the Rangpur region, noted that farmers in all five districts are enthusiastically sowing seeds of early-season winter vegetables. The sowing process is expected to continue until mid-November, with rural populations, including women, actively participating by planting on homestead land, abandoned land, char areas, and other available spaces.
Dr. Md Mamunur Rashid, a consultant for the 'Rupantar' project at CIMMYT Bangladesh, highlighted the increasing interest among farmers in early winter vegetable cultivation due to the potential for higher profits. Many farmers began planting these vegetables after recent rains and the recession of floodwaters, leading to more land being utilized for vegetable cultivation.
Farmers in Rangpur, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Nilphamari districts started this initiative in the third week of September, following the harvest of short-duration Aman rice. Dr. Rashid mentioned that early varieties of winter vegetables are expected to reach local markets within two weeks, benefiting from new crop intensification methods amidst climate change.
In Gangachara upazila, farmers like Borhan Uddin and Rafikul Islam are cultivating early brinjal varieties, expecting substantial returns. Rafikul Islam anticipates selling brinjal from 30 decimals of land for approximately Taka 1,25,000, with a projected profit of about Taka 1,00,000 after covering cultivation costs.
In Badarganj upazila, farmers have planted early varieties of 'Lal Shak', coriander, ladies finger, and 'Mula Shak', with Abul Hossain expecting to start harvesting next week and hoping for a good profit. Meanwhile, farmers in Rangpur Sadar upazila and Mithapukur upazila are cultivating a range of early winter vegetables, including beans, coriander, bitter gourd, and various leafy greens.
Overall, farmers throughout the Rangpur region are optimistic about achieving higher profits by harvesting early winter vegetables from the second or third week of October.