Farmers in Fulbari upazila have begun cultivating early winter vegetables, hoping to secure higher profits before the peak season. Traditionally, winter vegetables are harvested between November and January, but due to lower rainfall this year, many farmers have opted for early planting, which allows them to fetch better prices in the market.
Fields across Shibnagar, Aladipur, Khairbari, and Daulatpur are already showcasing a variety of winter crops. Vegetables such as beans, radishes, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage, eggplant, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, bottle gourd, red spinach, and coriander leaves have started appearing in the local markets, well ahead of the season. Prices remain high due to limited imports, allowing farmers to benefit significantly.
Hamidul Islam, a farmer from Chhoto Bhimolpur village in Aladipur union, has cultivated early cabbage on 35 decimals of land, spending around Tk 25,000 so far, with an estimated total cost of Tk 30,000. He expects to harvest within 20 to 25 days. Alongside cabbage, he is also growing beans and cucumbers. “Last year, I sold Tk 2.2 lakh worth of cabbage from this land. This year, I am also expecting a good return,” he said.
In Uttar Krishnapur village under the municipality area, farmer Moshior has cultivated cabbage on 30 decimals of land and expects to begin harvesting within 25 days. “Vegetable prices are always higher at the beginning of the season. I hope to earn a good profit this year,” he said.
Another farmer, Alamin Hossain of Bhimolpur in Aladipur union, has planted cauliflower seedlings on 80 decimals of land. He anticipates marketing his produce soon and expects favorable prices. “Any vegetable harvested early in the season sells at higher prices. Already, early varieties of beans, radish, red spinach, spinach, bitter gourd, amaranth, tomatoes, and cucumbers are reaching markets, and we are receiving good prices,” he explained.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the cultivation target for vegetables this season has been set at 1,750 hectares, including 650 hectares for early winter varieties. In addition, potatoes are expected to be cultivated on 1,810 hectares of land.
Acting Upazila Agriculture Officer Shahanur Rahman said early vegetable farming has proven to be profitable. “Vegetables harvested ahead of the regular season always bring better prices. That is why many farmers are now turning to early cultivation. Local demand is met first, and surplus vegetables are supplied to other districts. The agriculture department is continuously providing advice on modern farming techniques and pest management,” he added.
