The coastal district of Patuakhali has recorded a bumper harvest of seasonal vegetables this year, bringing financial relief and renewed prosperity to many farming households. In addition to high yields, strong market demand has put smiles on farmers’ faces.
Large-scale cultivation has been carried out across the district’s char areas as well as in the upazilas of Bauphal, Galachipa, Dashmina, Dumki, Mirzaganj, Kalapara, and Rangabali. Crops include winter vegetables and year-round hybrids such as eggplant, okra, Malabar spinach, pointed gourd, wax gourd, sweet gourd, green bananas, papaya, bottle gourd, tomato, carrot, and others.
According to the Patuakhali District Agriculture Office, 180 hectares in Sadar upazila yielded 3,240 metric tons of vegetables this season. Bauphal saw 250 hectares produce 4,500 metric tons, Galachipa 380 hectares with 6,840 metric tons, Kalapara 350 hectares with 6,300 metric tons, and Dashmina 165 hectares with 2,970 metric tons. Mirzaganj reported 150 hectares producing 2,700 metric tons, Dumki 75 hectares with 1,350 metric tons, and Rangabali 120 hectares with 216 metric tons. In addition, 107 hectares were planted solely with green bananas. In total, vegetable production in the district reached 30,060 metric tons.
Mohiuddin Ahmed, a model farmer from Patarpol village in Bauphal, cultivated vegetables on 50 decimals of land in his homestead, including sweet gourd, Malabar spinach, green bananas, papaya, ridge gourd, and eggplant. He invested about Tk 50,000 and has already sold produce worth around Tk 100,000, with another two to three months of harvest expected. The income has restored financial stability to his household and is funding his children’s education.
Local farmers say the Department of Agricultural Extension has provided seeds, fertilizers, and guidance to promote both winter and year-round hybrid vegetable cultivation. Encouraged by profitability, many households are now using both homestead land and fields for vegetable farming.
Market visits show sweet gourds selling at Tk 50–80 for small sizes, Tk 80–120 for medium, and Tk 150–500 for large. Green bananas are selling for Tk 30–40 per bunch, eggplant for Tk 70–80 per kg, pointed gourd for Tk 40–50, okra for Tk 50–60, and tomatoes for Tk 70–80. Wholesalers are sourcing the produce from local markets and transporting it to Dhaka and other parts of the country.
Bauphal Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Milon said summer vegetable cultivation in Bauphal was slightly lower than last year due to flooding and rain, but high market prices have ensured farmer profitability. Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Patuakhali, Md. Shahadat Hossain, said 1,670 hectares of vegetables were cultivated in the district this year, producing 30,060 metric tons. He added that support and advisory services for small and marginal farmers would continue in the future.
