Farmers in Chuadanga have started cultivating early winter vegetables, hoping to fetch better prices at the beginning of the season.
Fields across the district are now busy with the cultivation of radish, beans, cauliflower, cabbage and other winter vegetables, several months before the peak winter season. Farmers expect good yields and profits if favourable weather conditions continue.
Early harvests usually bring higher prices, prompting farmers to provide extra care to their crops. Markets in Chuadanga are already filled with early winter vegetables, with supplies meeting local demand and being sent to other districts, including Dhaka, Sylhet and Khulna.
Farmers said cauliflower, cabbage, beans and other early winter vegetables have already reached markets and are currently selling at Tk50 to Tk150 per kg.
Winter vegetable cultivation costs around Tk20,000 to Tk30,000 per bigha, while farmers can earn a profit of Tk40,000 to Tk50,000 per bigha if prices remain favourable. Sending produce to markets outside the district can increase profits further.
Farmers usually cultivate winter vegetables in three phases, with the period from August to October considered the best time for early-season crops. Prices often decline towards the end of the season as supply increases and quality falls.
Md Rafiqul Islam, a farmer from Makhaldanga village in Chuadanga Sadar, said production costs had increased while farmers were still receiving lower prices for their produce.
“If the government ensures better prices for farmers’ crops, they will benefit,” he said.
Chuadanga Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Md Masudur Rahman Sarker said farmers in the district were experienced in vegetable cultivation and seedling production.
“Farmers are receiving good prices for early winter vegetables. We are also providing regular advice and support,” he said.
