A hybrid sweet pumpkin venture has left Panchagarh entrepreneur Md Sajjad Hossain facing losses of nearly Tk1 crore after 60 acres of land yielded no fruit.
Sajjad, from Langal village in Boda Upazila, had cultivated the ‘Bangkok Sweet-2’ variety on leased land, investing in seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides on bank loans and outstanding shop credit.
The entrepreneur told the district administration that he had leased 60 acres across Sardarpara in Moidan Dighi Union and Naleha in Magura Union at Tk60,000 per acre after incurring losses in potato cultivation. On the advice of local fertiliser and seed trader Ariful Rahman Rasel, Sajjad purchased seeds from Alomgir Seed Company, which assured yields of 19–20 tonnes per acre.
Despite proper care, irrigation, and fertiliser application, none of the plants bore fruit after three months. Sajjad said he had already spent around Tk38–40 lakh and now faced a bleak outlook.
Landowner Kaby Bhushan Barman said, “We gave 60 acres to Sajjad for cultivation. The potato crop failed, and the pumpkin field is now full of plants but produces nothing. Neighbours’ fields grew well, so the problem seems to be the seeds.”
Ariful Rahman Rasel added, “Alomgir Seeds assured us the seeds were high quality. Despite following all guidance, the crop failed completely. We have informed the company, but they are avoiding compensation.”
Md Sajjad Hossain said, “I am now destitute. I have borrowed money and spent substantial sums, yet there is no crop. I demand compensation from Alomgir Seed Company, or I will take legal action.”
District Seed and Certification Officer Md Shamim confirmed receiving a formal complaint from Sajjad. “Our team, including the upazila agriculture officer, inspected the site and verified the losses. He has indeed suffered, and an investigation is underway to take necessary action,” he said.
