Farmers in Kurigram are busy growing cucumber, an early winter vegetable, to make up for this year's flood losses. Interest is rising because costs are low and profits high. Cucumber growers hope to profit this season if the weather stays favourable and market prices remain good.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Kurigram, cucumber is being grown on 302 hectares in the district alongside other early winter vegetables. The agriculture office said farmers will profit if the weather is favourable.

Md Nur Islam, a farmer in Bhogdanga union of Sadar upazila, said he has grown cucumber on three bighas this year. "It has cost Tk 10,000-12,000 per bigha in all. So far I have sold Tk 20,000 worth of cucumber at Tk 4,000 a maund. If the weather stays good and the plants don't get disease, I hope to make a good profit," he said.

Another farmer, Md Rostam Ali, said he has grown cucumber on one bigha. "With regular care and spraying, the plants don't get much disease. Fields can be kept healthy against fungus and insect attacks by spraying pesticide. Demand for cucumber in the market is good. I hope to sell Tk 50,000-60,000 worth of cucumber this season," he said.

Abdullah Al Mamun, deputy director of the DAE in Kurigram, said early winter cucumber is being grown on 320 hectares in the district. "The agriculture office is always giving farmers guidance. We hope cucumber growers will profit this season," he said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.