Bikash Mistri of Babuganj upazila in Barishal struggled for years to meet his family’s needs by driving a Mahindra vehicle. However, travelling across different areas through his work gradually motivated him to explore opportunities in agriculture. During a difficult period marked by financial hardship, he decided to try something new and began cultivating the improved variety Latoraj Bari Kochu-1. Starting with 50 decimals of land, he harvested a successful crop of taro stems that transformed his fortune. Today, Bikash no longer needs to rely on driving; he now cultivates taro stems on nearly two acres of land, inspiring many local farmers to follow his path.
A resident of Bayelakhali village in Babuganj upazila, Bikash has developed a strong interest in agriculture over the past three years. Alongside taro stems, he now cultivates papaya, bottle gourd, snake gourd and various beans. His annual income has made his family self-reliant, and with consistent profits, he dreams of establishing a larger agricultural farm in the future.
During a field visit to Bayelakhali village, Bikash was found tending to his taro field. Speaking about his journey, he said he faced frustration and various challenges during his early days in agriculture. Over time, however, he adapted to the work, and his passion for farming has continued to grow.
Bikash explained that newcomers to agriculture often face losses, especially when they lack proper guidance or communication with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). He emphasized that new agricultural entrepreneurs must seek advice and support from the agriculture department before entering the profession. According to him, when a farmer overcomes challenges and succeeds in cultivating a profitable crop or setting up a farm, many people then try to take credit for the achievement.
He added that despite progressing through his own efforts, many farmers in Babuganj are now cultivating papaya and various vegetables. He believes that with active guidance and support from agricultural officials, local farmers could produce crops such as paddy, jute, papaya and vegetables in large quantities to meet local demand and supply to other districts.
Local residents said this is the first time Latoraj Bari Kochu-1 taro is being cultivated on such a large scale in Babuganj, and many new entrepreneurs are visiting Bikash’s farm for seedlings and advice. Sayedul Mallik, a farmer from a nearby village, said he was encouraged to see high yields even on fallow land and has already placed an order for seedlings for the next season. He noted that taro stems currently sell for Tk 70–80 per kilogram, with each plant producing 15–20 kilograms over about eight months. The taro is naturally sweet, making it highly sought after in the market, and once the stem harvest is complete, the taro tubers also fetch a good price.
Bikash’s farm has also created employment opportunities for many local youths. One of them, Bhubrat Bairagi, now earns enough from working on the farm to support his family. Another farmer, Sujan, who cultivates vegetables on a small scale, said the Latoraj Bari Kochu variety requires minimal care beyond weeding and regular irrigation, yet yields more than other taro varieties.
Bikash’s papaya orchard is laden with the high-yielding Shahi variety. This year he cultivated papaya on 50 decimals of land, and the 250 trees have already earned him a significant profit through both ripe and unripe fruit. The remaining fruits on the trees are also expected to generate substantial income. In addition to seasonal vegetables, Bikash now earns Tk 4 to 5 lakh annually from farming.
Like Bikash, many new entrepreneurs are turning to agriculture, aiming to meet household nutritional needs while achieving financial independence.
Morsammat Mariam, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Barishal, said the DAE provides all necessary support to marginal farmers. She noted that many farmers in the region are now showing strong interest in cultivating papaya and taro stems, and several have already achieved success. The department continues to provide technical advice and assistance to encourage and accelerate these initiatives.
