Rajshahi: Tomato farming has emerged as a major fortune changer for many farmers in the Rajshahi region this season as the lucrative winter vegetable is not only making peasants solvent but also adding significant momentum to the local economy. Sources said farmers are enthusiastic and optimistic due to favourable climatic conditions and high market prices despite challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target for winter tomato cultivation in Rajshahi district at 3,500 hectares of land. Of the nine upazilas, Godagari alone accounts for tomato cultivation on 2,250 hectares. DAE sources said tomatoes from the region have been contributing to the national economy for nearly two decades, and thousands of farmers in Godagari have become self-reliant through tomato cultivation.
During the current season, farmers cultivated several tomato varieties including Nasib, NL-642, Slamot-83, Bongio, Mintu Super, and Bizli across different areas of Godagari upazila. Farmers reported that the crop has brought smiles to their faces as they are getting expected yields and good prices from the very beginning of harvesting.
Tomatoes produced without using chemical ripening agents are being supplied to different districts, including the capital Dhaka, after meeting local demand. Farmers indicated that tomato is more profitable than most other field crops, with production ranging from 60 to 70 maunds per bigha.
Shafiqul Islam, a farmer from Aihair village in Godagari, cultivated tomatoes on five bighas of land, harvesting 10 maunds in the first phase and selling them at Tk 2,300 per maund, with expectations of increased production in the coming days. Another farmer, Nashidur Alam, highlighted the good prices available at the beginning of the season and noted that traders often purchase tomatoes from entire fields in advance.
Ziarul Islam of Ishwaripur village cultivated hybrid varieties on one and a half bighas of land, spending Tk 1.25 lakh. Over the past two weeks, he sold tomatoes worth Tk 30,000 at rates of Tk 70-75 per kilogram. Saiful Islam from Pirijpur village noted that his high-yielding varieties are fetching good prices in the markets, with tomatoes currently selling at Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,000 per maund in wholesale markets.
Jahedul Islam of Bidirpur village mentioned that many farmers in the region have already transformed their fortunes through tomato cultivation, earning between Tk 25,000 and Tk 35,000 per bigha in a season. Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of DAE, said that tomato farming is gaining popularity in the region, especially in the vast Barind tract, as it is highly profitable.
Dr Alim Uddin, Retired Chief Scientific Officer of the Fruit Research Station, stated that the soil and climatic conditions of Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj districts are highly suitable for tomato cultivation, with more than one lakh families directly benefiting from tomato cultivation and trading, generating a large number of employment opportunities every year.