Farmers in Raiganj Upazila of Sirajganj are increasingly turning to hybrid cucumber cultivation using the modern mulching method, attracted by lower irrigation needs, better weed control, fewer pest attacks and higher yields.
Farmer Md Hafizul Islam of Nalka Jhakri village under Nalka Union has cultivated hybrid cucumbers on two bighas of land. Within 35 days of planting, he harvested around six maunds and is now selling cucumbers at Tk30 a kilogramme in the wholesale market.
He has so far spent about Tk1.10 lakh on the crop and planted several varieties, including 577, Joint, Thailand One and Renaissance.
Hafizul said he used mulching on 60 decimals of land after growing cucumbers conventionally last year. His experience showed that the method reduced costs while increasing production, prompting neighbouring farmers to show interest.
Under the technique, raised beds are prepared with organic and chemical fertilisers before being covered with black and silver mulch sheets. The covering retains soil moisture, suppresses weeds and reduces irrigation needs and pest attacks.
As the plants grow, bamboo supports and nylon nets are used to keep the vines and fruit off the ground, helping prevent rotting and keeping cucumbers clean.
The Department of Agricultural Extension said farmers are being encouraged to adopt the method through demonstration plots under a project aimed at expanding modern agricultural technology in Rajshahi division. Yields under the method range from 40 to 45 maunds per bigha.
Raiganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Mominul Islam said the upazila has set a target to cultivate cucumbers on 12 hectares this season, with an expected yield of 15 tonnes per hectare.
Sirajganj Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director AKM Monjure Maula said the district has set a target to produce 3,640 tonnes of cucumbers from 130 hectares this year.
He said cucumber is a high-value vegetable and that appropriate varieties, proper land management and modern technology could help farmers achieve better yields and market returns.
