Several hundred farmers in Abdulpur village of Jessore’s Chowgacha area are cultivating only vegetable seedlings instead of producing winter vegetables. Through specialized techniques, the region is now producing nearly 300 million high-quality vegetable seedlings with a market value exceeding Tk 25 crore. After meeting local demand, these seedlings are supplied to multiple districts across the country.
Along both sides of the Abdulpur road in the Chowgacha area, hundreds of seedbeds covered with polythene sheets can be seen. Each year, starting in the month of Asharh, farmers prepare these seedbeds under special arrangements and sow seeds of cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, eggplant, chili, and other vegetables. Once germinated, the seedlings are nurtured for about a month before being sold to other farmers.
Rafiqul Islam, a farmer from Abdulpur, has cultivated various seedlings including cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, and eggplant on two bighas of land. He said the production cost over six months ranges between Tk 20 lakh and Tk 25 lakh. From this land, around 60–70 lakh seedlings are expected, with estimated sales of Tk 30–35 lakh. Farmers across the region share similar experiences.
According to Rafiqul Islam, this method is highly expensive, which is why many farmers prefer buying seedlings instead of producing their own. In addition to local buyers, he also sells seedlings through online platforms.
Seedling buyers come not only from surrounding areas such as Jhikargacha, Gadkhali, Navaran, Chowgacha, and Manirampur, but also from adjacent districts including Chuadanga's Jibannagar and Alamdanga, Jhenaidah’s Kaliganj, Narail, Lohagara, and parts of Satkhira.
Currently, the market price of seedlings varies depending on quality. A thousand cauliflower seedlings are selling for Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,500, while cabbage seedlings are priced between Tk 500 and Tk 800 per thousand. Tomato and eggplant seedlings range from Tk 1,000 to Tk 3,000 per thousand. Other seedlings are sold between Tk 1 and Tk 5 per piece. However, farmers noted that prices are lower this year compared to previous seasons.
Farmers said they produce almost all types of vegetable seedlings and expect a net profit of around Tk 5 lakh after covering all expenses.
Agricultural officials stated that they regularly provide technical support, modern cultivation methods, and market guidance to ensure high-quality seedling production.
Seedling buyers noted that the seedlings produced in Abdulpur are of excellent quality and comparatively affordable, making them a reliable choice for farmers.
Jessore’s Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Protap Mondal, said the agriculture office provides multiple training programs and recognizes the best growers to encourage continued improvement.
Across Jessore, seedlings are grown on 40 bighas of land, yielding roughly 300 million seedlings with an estimated market value of Tk 25 crore.
