Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - Tomato farming has emerged as a major fortune changer for many farmers in Rajshahi region this season as the lucrative winter vegetable is not only making peasants solvent but also adding significant momentum to the local economy.

Sources said farmers are enthusiastic and optimistic due to favourable climatic conditions and high market prices despite challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tomatoes have been appearing in different local markets for the last couple of weeks and are attracting consumers for their quality and taste.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target for winter tomato cultivation in Rajshahi district has been fixed at 3,500 hectares of land. Of the nine upazilas, Godagari alone accounts for tomato cultivation on 2,250 hectares.

DAE sources said tomatoes from the region have been contributing to the national economy for nearly two decades and thousands of farmers in Godagari have become self-reliant through tomato cultivation.

During the current season, farmers cultivated several tomato varieties including Nasib, NL-642, Slamot-83, Bongio, Mintu Super and Bizli across different areas of Godagari upazila.

Farmers said the crop has brought smiles to their faces as they are getting expected yields and good prices from the very beginning of harvesting.

Tomatoes produced without using chemical ripening agents are being supplied to different districts, including the capital Dhaka, after meeting local demand.

Farmers said tomato is more profitable than most other field crops, with production ranging from 60 to 70 maunds per bigha.

Shafiqul Islam, a farmer of Aihair village in Godagari, said he cultivated tomatoes on five bighas of land. He harvested 10 maunds in the first phase and sold them at Tk 2,300 per maund, adding that production will increase further in the coming days.

Another farmer, Nashidur Alam, said good prices are available at the beginning of the season and traders often purchase tomatoes from entire fields in advance. He said traders from outside districts regularly visit the area to buy tomatoes while local traders also participate.

Ziarul Islam of Ishwaripur village said he cultivated two hybrid varieties on one and a half bighas of land spending Tk 1.25 lakh. Over the last two weeks, he sold tomatoes worth Tk 30,000 at rates of Tk 70-75 per kilogram.

"Platform-cultivated tomatoes have high demand as they ripen naturally on the plants without the need for chemicals," he said.

Saiful Islam, 47, of Pirijpur village said he cultivated high-yielding varieties that are fetching good prices in the markets. He said tomatoes are currently selling at Tk 1,800 to Tk 2,000 per maund in wholesale markets.

Jahedul Islam of Bidirpur village said many farmers in the region have already changed their fortunes through tomato cultivation, earning between Tk 25,000 and Tk 35,000 per bigha in a season.

"Tomato farming is gaining popularity in the region, especially in the vast Barind tract, as it is highly profitable here," said Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of DAE.

He said tomatoes, now considered the second major cash crop of the region, play an important role in the local economy. More than one lakh families are directly benefiting from tomato cultivation and trading, while a large number of employment opportunities are generated every year.

Retired Chief Scientific Officer of the Fruit Research Station, Dr Alim Uddin, said the soil and climatic conditions of Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj districts are highly suitable for tomato cultivation.