Farmers across Madaripur’s five upazilas are busy cultivating early winter vegetables as locally grown produce is expected to reach markets within days.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target to cultivate vegetables on around 4,510 hectares in the district this season, with emphasis on safe and quality production.
Farmers in Madaripur Sadar, Shibchar, Rajoir, Kalkini and Dasar upazilas have already started planting winter crops, including cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, potato, brinjal, carrot, cucumber, beans, radish, bottle gourd and chilli.
According to the DAE, the cultivation target includes 1,010 hectares in Madaripur Sadar, 1,700 hectares in Kalkini and Dasar, 800 hectares in Rajoir and 1,000 hectares in Shibchar.
Farmers said vegetable farming has become a reliable source of income alongside traditional crops.
Basar Sardar, a farmer from Baherchar Katla village in Madaripur Sadar, said he was cultivating vegetables on 35 decimals of land this season.
Alamgir Molla of Char Lakkhi village said he had planted vegetables on 13 bighas of land, including bottle gourd, cucumber, okra and brinjal.
In Shibchar, farmer Tamim Madbar of Kutubpur Union said he started vegetable cultivation following advice from agricultural officials.
“After investing around Tk50,000 on 40 decimals of land, I have already earned Tk70,000 from cucumber production,” he said.
He added that many farmers in the area cultivate vegetables throughout the year, which has improved their household incomes.
Madaripur District Agriculture Officer Rahima said the district had strong potential in vegetable production.
“We have distributed free seeds and fertiliser among farmers and provided incentives. Ensuring safe vegetable production remains a priority,” she said.
She expressed hope that favourable weather conditions would help farmers achieve good returns from their winter vegetable harvest this year.
