Khulna:The region of Khulna, known as the granary of Bangladesh, has witnessed a bumper production of winter vegetables this season, bringing significant profits to local farmers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, improved seeds, innovative cultivation techniques, and favorable weather conditions, supported by intensive government initiatives, have led to this impressive output. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has played a crucial role by supplying quality seeds and fertilizers, along with technical assistance. Banks such as Bangladesh Krishi Bank and NGOs have also contributed by providing loans and interest-free credit to support large-scale cultivation.
The pesticide-free vegetables from Khulna and surrounding districts like Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail are now being exported internationally. This development has been a source of pride for local farmers, who see their produce reaching foreign markets. A stable vegetable marketing system has further facilitated these exports, encouraging growers to expand cultivation, especially of early-season varieties that offer better profit margins.
Farmers across the region are actively engaged in managing their crops, with thousands benefiting from diversified cultivation. Abdul Hamid, a farmer from Golna village, expressed satisfaction with the yields and market prices this year. Atiar Rahman, another local farmer, noted the successful cultivation and export of vegetables from the Dumuria upazila. The increased production has resulted in over 401,213 tonnes of winter vegetables harvested across 64,740 hectares in the Khulna zone.
Md Rafiqul Islam, additional director of the DAE for the Khulna zone, confirmed that the vegetables meet local demand and are transported to Dhaka and other parts of the country. Cold-storage facilities have been introduced for the first time in the region, ensuring the preservation of produce. The total value of this season's production is estimated at around Tk 1,604.85 crore, with ongoing efforts to complete the remaining harvest.