Four brothers from one family in Madhukhali, Faridpur, have become lakhpatis by growing bottle gourd. Tajuddin Sheikh of Mekchami village in the upazila's Mekchami union and his three brothers, Bayozid Sheikh, Abu Sayeed Sheikh and Alamgir Sheikh, have become self-reliant by farming bottle gourd this season. Their success has caused a stir in the area, and many others are now keen to grow the crop.

Tajuddin Sheikh had been growing bottle gourd for two years, but only on a small scale. After two years of experience and good profits, his three brothers joined him this time, and they expanded to three acres. Tajuddin's nephew Titon has completed a master's degree, and another nephew, Raju, is studying for an honours degree.

Rather than sit idle as students during the coronavirus period, the two joined their father and uncles in improved bottle gourd farming. Since the Bengali month of Bhadra they have sold Tk 15 lakh worth of bottle gourds, and they expect to sell about Tk 5 lakh more from what is still in the field.

Farmer Tajuddin Sheikh told Jago News that the land used to be under sugarcane and chilli. Because those crops brought losses, he had been growing bottle gourd on a trial basis for the past two years. "Last year I grew bottle gourd on one acre. With a good yield and profit, this year I grew it on three acres and brought in my three brothers. All in all, we have had a bumper crop and a good price this time," he said.

He said bamboo trellises, string and other costs on the three acres came to around Tk 2 lakh. They hope to expand to four acres next year and are preparing for it.

Bottle gourd farmer Abu Sayeed told Jago News that at first they grew only a little, but their sums showed that bottle gourd paid much better than sugarcane or chilli. That is why the four brothers turned to it, and they will grow it on more land in future.

The youngest brother, Alamgir, said they grow bottle gourd all year round, and his nephews Titon and Raju encouraged them to grow improved varieties. They made a good profit this year. He complained that although they farm commercially, the local agriculture office did not give them fertiliser or pesticide, nor any other help.

Titon said they now grow two varieties of bottle gourd, Green Magic and Marina, throughout the year. With good yields, they have decided to add another acre next year. Having not found a job after his master's, he is spending his time helping his father and uncles with the crop.

Raju said that alongside his studies he farms bottle gourd with his family rather than sitting at home, which both meets the family's need for vegetables and brings everyone financial benefit.

Madhukhali upazila agriculture officer Alvir Rahman said the family had set an example in bottle gourd farming in the area, and many others have become interested after seeing them. He expects the area under bottle gourd to grow further next year. He said his office helps farmers in various ways: "If farmers contact us, we will give them and do give them every kind of support. If someone does not contact us, how can we help?"

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