News Flash
By Delowar Hossain Akaid
CUMILLA, Oct 9, 2025 (BSS) - Farmers of Bhantir Char under Burichang upazila in the district have started harvesting white radish, bringing early smiles to their faces ahead of winter.
Morning in Bhantir Char, situated on the bank of the Gomti River, is seen as busy as ever. But this time, the sight is different as piles of freshly harvested white radish everywhere. Some farmers are pulling them from the soil, while others sorting, bundling, and preparing those to produce at market. Every step across the riverine islands and landforms created by the accumulation of river sediment seems to carry the early joy of winter.
A walk through Bhanti village found that both men and women are engaged in cultivating radish, the main crop of this season.
Farmers Abdul Wahab and Faruk Hossain, who have long made the soil of the char familiar with white vegetables, said, "We started sowing right after the monsoon in early autumn. Although winter is still a bit away, we've already begun harvesting radish."
"Wholesalers are buying directly from the fields at Tk 35 to 40 per kg. The price usually doesn't go higher during the season, but we are satisfied," they added.
Another farmer Monir Hossain, standing beside his crops, said that most farmers are selling the yield of their entire plots to wholesalers. "I sold radish from my 24 decimals of land for Tk 58,000. After expenses, I earned around Tk 20,000 in profit. The radish from our char is going to different parts of the country, including Dhaka, through the Nimsar market in Cumilla," he said.
Across the char, the green leaves of the fields sparkle with white radishes, resembling spilled milk. However, not all lands are equally fortunate. In areas with poor drainage, the recent rainfall caused waterlogging, damaging yields.
Agricultural officials have advised farmers to harvest quickly, warning that the roots may rot if it is left underground too long. After harvesting, new seeds can be sown again for continued cultivation.
Alamgir Hossain and Zakir Hossain, two wholesale traders, said, "We have purchased entire radish fields under contracts. We bought radish from 44 decimals of land in Bhantir Char for Tk 150,000. We've hired workers from Dinajpur and Rangpur to harvest them, paying each worker Tk 1,000 per day. It's too early to say our total profit, but despite some losses from rain, the market price is good."
During a field visit, male and female workers were seen working side by side as some loading radishes directly into trucks, while others bundling them for the market. Women workers were also sorting and tying the radish bundles. The scene across the char resembled a living painting, a blend of labour, activity, enthusiasm, and the early joy of winter.
Assistant Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Cumilla Sheikh Azizur Rahman said, "Farmers are making good profits as prices are high at the beginning of the season. We're providing them with guidance and assistance at the field level. Alongside radish, cultivation of other winter vegetables has also begun."
Besides, in the eyes of farmer Monir Hossain a story of soil and labour is laid. "Having a contract ensures some security, but labour costs, transportation, and the impact of rain all affect the final profit. Still, with good market prices, I hope to make an overall profit," he added.
The early winter radish of Bhantir Char is not only bringing smiles to farmers but also creating employment for male and female workers in the char.
According to agricultural officials, cultivation of other vegetables has also started alongside radish. As a result, farmers in the char are earning profits, local supply is increasing, and with the support of the Department of Agricultural Extension, they are expecting even better yields in the coming weeks.
