Farmers in five upazilas of Sherpur busy with early winter vegetable cultivation

Farmers in five upazilas of Sherpur district are turning towards early winter vegetable cultivation in hopes of getting better prices in the market. Cultivation of early vegetables has increased especially in three upazilas of the Garo hill region. Despite risks of excessive temperature, untimely rain, and insect attacks, farmers are spending busy times taking care of vegetable fields in expectation of higher profits. Lands that were previously cultivated for paddy are now adorned with various winter vegetables including cabbage, cauliflower, bitter gourd, beans, tomato, eggplant, and bottle gourd.

According to the district agriculture department, about 4,000 hectares of land have been brought under early winter vegetable cultivation in Sherpur district this year, which is higher than last year. The interest of farmers in early vegetable cultivation is increasing day by day. However, local farmers believe that reducing the prices of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs would significantly lower the production cost.

Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain, Deputy Director of Sherpur District Department of Agricultural Extension, stated that regular advice is being given to farmers to protect winter vegetables from diseases and insect attacks. Upazila agriculture officers are cooperating with farmers at the field level regarding necessary matters including the application of pesticides in the right method. Besides, concerned upazila agriculture officials mentioned that regular training sessions are being arranged to encourage farmers to cultivate high-value early vegetables using modern technology.

Reported by 3 outlets. See the original sources below for full details.