Photo : Messenger
In a bid to maximize profits during the season, farmers in Bogura are increasingly turning to broccoli (high-nutrient vegetable) cultivation, attracted by its low cost and time requirements. The current market trend indicates a shift, with broccoli fetching Tk 60 per kg in the Nandigram market, down from Tk 100 per kg at the beginning of the season.
The surge in broccoli cultivation is attributed to its impressive yield and rising demand, capturing the interest of farmers who are now receiving various forms of assistance from the agriculture department. Beyond local markets, the nationwide appeal of broccoli is contributing to its popularity among farmers. Notably, Nandigram Upazila in the district has witnessed its first-ever broccoli cultivation, spearheaded by Obaidul from Katham area.
Obaidul, son of Abdul Jubbar, shares his journey into broccoli cultivation, recounting an investment of Tk 40,000 on one and a half bigha of land, where he strategically planted Sudarshan, Excel, and broccoli. His optimism is palpable as he reveals having already sold Tk 15,000 worth of broccoli. Obaidul Rahman elaborates on the meticulous process, mentioning the procurement of 1.5 thousand peach broccoli units from Shah Nagar in Bogura Shajahanpur upazila around October. These were carefully nurtured on 8 acres of land, with a notable feature being the relatively low application of pesticides, rendering broccoli cultivation an economically attractive proposition for farmers.
Abdul Ghafoor, another progressive farmer in the region, echoes Obaidul's sentiments. He underscores the economic viability of broccoli cultivation on his 2 bigha of land, citing its minimal resource requirements in terms of both time and cost. The absence of substantial pesticide needs, coupled with the widespread demand for broccoli, positions it as a lucrative venture. Both farmers express optimism, foreseeing substantial returns, with Obaidul projecting earnings exceeding Tk 1 lakh from one and a half bigha of land.
In acknowledgment of this burgeoning trend, Nandigram Upazila Agriculture Officer Gaziul Haque sheds light on the growing national demand for broccoli. He highlights Obaidul Rahman's successful foray into broccoli cultivation as a pivotal factor in galvanizing interest among local farmers. Haque envisions a surge in broccoli cultivation within the upazila, contingent on favorable weather conditions. The prospect of the Obaidur Broccoli market becoming a hub for profitable ventures seems increasingly plausible, heralding a promising future for broccoli farmers in the region.
Messenger/Rocky
