Rangpur: After reaping profits in recent years, enthusiastic farmers have already begun cultivation of early varieties of winter vegetables on their croplands in Rangpur region. Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said steps have been taken to inspire farmers in cultivating early varieties of winter vegetables on their croplands, fallow lands, and homesteads to enhance overall crop production.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, farmers in Rangpur and its surrounding districts have started sowing seeds of early varieties of winter vegetables. Acting Additional Director of the DAE for Rangpur region, Md Sirajul Islam, noted that the five districts actively participating in this early cultivation are Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari. He also mentioned that the farming of general winter vegetables will gain momentum when the harvest of traditional Aman rice varieties progresses from the third week of November.
Dr. Md Abu Sayem, Deputy Director of the DAE’s Burirhat Horticulture Centre, highlighted that farmers are expected to bring more lands under the cultivation of early winter vegetable varieties in various areas, including the mainland, char areas, and fallow homesteads. The recent rainfalls and subsequent recession of water have provided favorable conditions for this early farming.
Farmers are also utilizing lands previously used for short-duration Aman rice crops. As a result, early winter vegetables might start appearing in local markets from mid-October, following innovative cropping patterns amidst changing climatic conditions. Farmer Rafikul Islam from Paschim Madraine village is cultivating brinjal on 25 decimals of land, aiming for a significant profit margin.
Similarly, farmer Badsha Mian from Lohanipara village has planted ‘Lal Shak’ and ‘Mula Shak’ on 30 decimals of land, expecting to start harvesting next week. Many other farmers in the region, such as Belal Mian and Rabiul Islam, are diversifying their crops to include beans, coriander, bitter gourd, and several other vegetables to maximize profits.
Farmers Wazed Ali and Ashraful Alam from Mithapukur upazila have also joined in the early cultivation efforts, planting a variety of crops including bitter gourd, brinjal, and off-season leafy vegetables. The early harvest is anticipated to begin next month, with most farmers hoping to capitalize on early market sales to boost their earnings.