Field after field in Jamalpur union of Thakurgaon Sadar and Khangaon union of Pirganj is now under early beans, picked and sent to market before winter has set in. Some farmers got Tk 150 a kilo at the start of the season, but prices have fallen as more beans come in, and the gap between farm and shop is wide: wholesalers buy at Tk 85, sell at the wholesale market for Tk 110, and shoppers at Kalibari market in Thakurgaon town pay Tk 140, Prothom Alo reported.
Delwar Hossain of Baliyakhuri has 25 decimals under beans and has picked four times: 10 kg at Tk 150, 18 kg at Tk 120, 30 kg at Tk 100 and, most recently, 100 kg at Tk 85, for Tk 15,000 in all. Seed, fertiliser, pesticide and trellises cost him Tk 20,000 to 22,000; with many beans still on the vines, he hopes to make a profit if prices hold.
Hamidul Islam, 48, of Changaon sold two maunds from 33 decimals, starting at Tk 140 and at Tk 90 last Saturday. Sadekul Islam, 35, of Shimulpur has grown early beans on 25 decimals for six years; last year he harvested about 90 maunds, but after an opening price of Tk 150 the price collapsed and at one point he sold at Tk 10 a kilo. Parimal Roy, 58, of Baliyakhuri sold at Tk 110 and then Tk 85 from his 50 decimals.
Farmers say beans cost less than other crops and yield quickly, so getting them to market early pays. The risks are real: Shariful Islam, 62, of Changaon said heavy or untimely rain and intense heat make the flowers drop, roots sometimes rot, and pod borers and aphids force extra spraying, raising costs in bad weather.
Zahirul Islam, 37, of Lohagara, who carries beans from the fields to the wholesale market, said some beans are rejected in sorting, and labour and transport costs are added before the selling price is set.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, early beans covered 545 hectares in the district last year, supplying Thakurgaon and other parts of the country; this year's winter vegetable target has not yet been set. Deputy director Majedul Islam said early bean seed is usually sown in March and April, sometimes in May and June; the weather has been kind this year, but prices fall as supply rises, so farmers need to watch the market.
Reporting: Mojibur Rahman Khan, Prothom Alo. Photo: Prothom Alo
Source: Prothom Alo
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