Farmers in Rangpur's agricultural region are experiencing a season of prosperity as they report excellent yields and profitable prices for their Kharif-1 summer vegetables. The harvest is currently in full swing, with farmers surpassing the set farming target by cultivating on 31,130 hectares of land, an increase of 1,045 hectares or 3.47 percent over the initial target of 30,085 hectares.
Exceeding Targets and High Yields
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), farmers have already harvested summer vegetables on 17,385 hectares of land, producing 3,21,177 tonnes of vegetables at an average yield rate of 18.47 tonnes per hectare. This outstanding performance has led to predictions of a bumper harvest for the current Kharif-1 season.
Profitable Market Prices
The market prices for these vegetables are also favorable, contributing to the farmers' satisfaction. Summer vegetables are being sold in large quantities in local markets and are transported to the capital city and other parts of the country daily from districts like Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari.
Local fariahs and merchants report healthy profit margins, with fariahs earning 15 to 20 percent profit by purchasing from farmers and selling to merchants. Retailers, in turn, make a 10 to 15 percent profit by selling to consumers. Despite the high prices, farmers are content with the fair market rates they are receiving.
However, the high prices have not been met with the same enthusiasm by consumers. Vegetables such as potato, Dudhkushi, Kakrol, Jhinga, Potol, brinjal, cucumber, papaya, green chilli, radish, onion, garlic, bitter gourd, cabbage, pumpkin, coriander, gourd, Sajina, Borboti, arum roots, and Ol Kochu are being sold at varying prices, with some items reaching up to Taka 300 per kg.
The cultivation of vegetables on croplands, homesteads, and riverine char areas has proven to be a highly profitable venture for farmers in the region. Many farmers have achieved self-sufficiency by cultivating vegetables multiple times a year on the same land.
