Photo : BSS

By Bipul Islam 

LALMONIRHAT, Nov 3, 2025 (BSS) – With the onset of winter, the five agriculturally-rich upazilas of Lalmonirhat have become lively with the cultivation and nurturing of winter vegetables. 

Farmers in Sadar, Aditmari, Kaliganj, Hatibandha, and Patgram upazilas are passing busy days in their vegetable fields. 

Early varieties of cauliflower, cabbage, radish, red amaranth (lal shak), bitter gourd, cucumber, bottle gourd, bean, tomato, and eggplant have already started reaching local markets.

Farmers said that the yield of early vegetables has been good this year, prompting wholesalers to purchase directly from the fields. As a result, growers are getting fair prices and making good profits.

A visit to different areas showed vast tracts of land covered with winter vegetables like bean, pumpkin, bitter gourd, eggplant, tomato, bottle gourd, chili, ginger, and okra. 

However, recent gusty winds and rain have caused some damage to Ropa Aman paddy and certain vegetable fields. Farmers are trying to minimize losses by draining excess water and maintaining their fields.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), early winter vegetables have so far been cultivated on about 2,155 hectares of land in the district during the current Rabi season. 

Officials expect the cultivation area to increase several times more in the coming weeks. The agriculture department has given top priority to producing safe and chemical-free vegetables.

Farmers said that quick returns and higher profit margins have increased their interest in vegetable farming. However, they expressed concern that fertilizer shortages and unfavorable weather might pose a threat to yields.

Md Azizul Islam, a farmer from Mahendranagar union in Sadar upazila, said, “I have cultivated eggplant and other winter vegetables on two bighas of land. The current market price is quite good.” 

He added, “The government should ensure timely supply of adequate fertilizers.”
Afzal Hossain and Azim Mia, farmers of Aditmari upazila, said, “Using modern methods for early vegetable cultivation gives better yields and helps control pests without pesticides, keeping the produce high in quality and in demand.”
Majarul Hossain and Zahidul Islam, farmers from Votmari area of Kaliganj upazila, said, “We are growing early varieties of cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, and radish for several years. We expect to sell them at good prices again this season.”
Abdul Hakim, a bean grower from Borobari union in Sadar upazila, said, “It cost me Tk 26,000 to cultivate beans on 30 decimals of land. Beans are now selling at Tk 60–70 per kg. If everything goes well, I expect to sell around Tk 100,000 worth of beans and make a profit of Tk 50,000–60,000.”

Dr Md Saikhul Arifin, deputy director of the DAE in Lalmonirhat, said, “The soil and climate of Lalmonirhat are very suitable for vegetable cultivation. That’s why early winter vegetable production is possible here. This season’s early harvest has been good, and many farmers have already started selling their produce at profitable prices.”

Local agriculture officials expressed hope that as the supply of early winter vegetables increases in the market, consumers will also be able to buy fresh produce at fair prices.