Chattogram:Across the Chattogram region, fields are gradually turning green as farmers have begun cultivating early winter vegetables, aiming to earn good returns from higher market prices at the start of the season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, farmers are growing a variety of crops, including cauliflower, cabbage, gourd, tomato, bean, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, pointed gourd, potato, eggplant, and green chili.
Among the farmers, Abdul Alam of Kelishahor village has returned to farming after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree. He is cultivating early winter vegetables on eight bighas of his own land, working alongside hired laborers. Alam has invested around Tk 5 lakh and anticipates a profit of Tk 3-4 lakh if the weather remains favorable.
Similarly, Shamsul Alam of Napora village in Banskhali upazila has planted gourd, eggplant, ridge gourd, and beans on three bighas of land with an investment of Tk 1,20,200. He expects to earn Tk 2-3 lakh, provided there are no natural calamities. He credits the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) for providing training and advice, especially in managing crop diseases, and notes there is no major fertilizer shortage this season.
Other areas, including Sitakunda, Banskhali, and Rangunia, display similar agricultural activity with varying stages of land preparation and crop growth. Early varieties have started reaching local markets, although challenges such as excessive rainfall, insect attacks, and crop diseases persist.
The DAE is actively supporting farmers by providing field-level assistance. M Atiquallah, Additional Deputy Director of the DAE in Chattogram, stated that early vegetables are being cultivated on approximately 38,300 hectares across different upazilas. Agricultural officials are advising farmers on disease management and promoting organic fertilizer use.
Farmers have completed cultivation on over 9,878 hectares, with ongoing land preparation and crop maintenance on the remaining areas. With favorable weather and robust agricultural support, farmers are hopeful for increased incomes this winter vegetable season.