Farmers across the Rangpur agricultural region have transformed their fortunes by cultivating vegetables all year round. This continuous farming practice has not only made farming more profitable but also revitalized the rural economy. During the Rabi, Kharif-1, and Kharif-2 seasons, vegetable cultivation provides substantial income and employment opportunities for both male and female agricultural workers in districts like Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari.
Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) highlight that vegetable farming has become highly lucrative, encouraging farmers to expand their cultivation areas using modern cropping patterns and technologies. Agriculturist Md Shirajul Islam, Additional Director of DAE's Rangpur region, noted that many farmers have experienced significant improvements in their financial situations due to year-round vegetable farming.
Government support, including easy-to-pay agricultural loans, free incentives like improved seeds and fertilizers, and technological advancements, have boosted farmers' enthusiasm for vegetable cultivation. This support has led to increased production and higher yields in each season. During the last Rabi season, farmers produced 1,177,800 tonnes of winter vegetables from 44,289 hectares of land, with an average yield of 26.59 tonnes per hectare.
In the 2026 Kharif-1 season, farmers cultivated summer vegetables on 31,130 hectares, surpassing the target of 30,085 hectares and producing 565,791 tonnes of vegetables. As of the latest report, 18,010 hectares have been harvested, yielding 332,460 tonnes of vegetables at an average rate of 18.47 tonnes per hectare. For the ongoing Kharif-2 season, farmers have cultivated vegetables on 9,735 hectares, against a target of 16,705 hectares.
Local vegetable retailers and farmers attest to the benefits of year-round cultivation. Hafizur Rahman, a vegetable retailer, noted that consumers have consistent access to various vegetables throughout the year. Farmers like Solaiman Ali, Jahurul Alam, and Afzal Hossain from Mithapukur upazila have achieved self-sufficiency through continuous vegetable farming. Mofizar Rahman and Nur Mohammad from Taraganj and Kawnia upazilas, respectively, have expanded their summer vegetable cultivation based on previous profits.
Mostafa Sohrab Chowdhury Titu, former president of Rangpur Chamber, emphasized that the region exports a significant amount of vegetables to Dhaka and other areas, creating employment and driving economic growth. He suggested that establishing agro-based industries for vegetable processing and increasing agricultural exports could further strengthen the rural economy and benefit farmers. The success of year-round vegetable farming in Rangpur underscores its potential to enhance both individual livelihoods and the broader economic landscape of Bangladesh.
