Sitakunda: Farmers in Sitakunda upazila are witnessing remarkable profits from cultivating the summer variety of Rupban beans, earning nearly four times more than from winter bean varieties.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, hillsides in Boro Kumira and surrounding areas have turned vibrant with blooming Rupban bean flowers and purple pods, where farmers are busy harvesting and tending vines. Growers attribute the high market demand for the summer beans as a significant factor boosting their returns.
At the beginning of the season, the bean variety sold for up to Tk 250 per kg at wholesale markets. Prices have now stabilized between Tk 120 and Tk 150 per kg, still ensuring strong profits. Farmers noted that continuous rain caused premature flower fall, which affected potential earnings.
Sitakunda, traditionally known for producing winter beans such as chhuri, loytta, and bata, is experiencing rapid growth in summer Rupban bean farming. The Upazila Agriculture Office reported that only seven hectares were under Rupban bean cultivation two years ago, but the area now spans 30 hectares for the second consecutive year.
Rupban beans are usually planted between May and June, with harvesting beginning after 60 days and continuing until December. Production typically declines near the end of the year due to water scarcity as winter bean varieties enter the market.
Field visits reveal extensive cultivation on hills east of the old TB hospital near Kumira Railway Station and in areas including Chaudduripara and Hasan Gomasta Para. Farmers utilize bamboo trellises to support the vines, allowing flowers and pods to continue appearing even during harvesting.
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Suzen Ghosh stated that over 400 hill spots across Sitakunda are now dedicated to bean farming, producing enough for local markets and export. Farmers in Kumira Union alone sell around 15 tons of beans twice a week, generating Tk 18-22 lakh.
Farmer Yusuf Nabi of Chaudduripara cultivated beans on 30 decimals of land, earning Tk 2.2 lakh and expecting another Tk 1 lakh in the coming month. With a production cost of Tk 70,000, he reported a four-fold return despite rainfall reducing yield.
Another farmer, Shafiul Alam of Hasan Gomasta area, mentioned that early-season growers enjoyed higher profits due to better prices. Jahangir Alam of Dharampur, who cultivated beans on two acres of hill land, sold produce worth over Tk 8 lakh this season. He emphasized that hill farming without rent or irrigation cost significantly boosts earnings.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Habibullah recalled that summer Rupban bean cultivation began experimentally in 2010 on five hectares. Last year's 30 hectares yielded over 170 metric tons. He anticipates further expansion of the cultivated area as farmers continue to gain strong profits from the crop.