Favourable weather has brought a bumper yield of winter vegetables in Magura, and supply has risen in local markets. Prices are somewhat high but are likely to fall as the cold sets in. Farmers and agriculture officials expect a bumper winter vegetable crop this season.

Because it takes less effort and capital for more profit, vegetable farming with mulching is becoming popular in Magura. Farmers are profiting more by growing tomato, brinjal, chilli, cucumber, bitter gourd and other vegetables this way. In some places winter vegetable seed has been distributed to farmers, which will help production next season.

With the early harvest under way, local markets across the region are full of fresh winter vegetables, bringing smiles to farmers who are getting good prices for their produce.

Agriculture officials say favourable climate, supply of quality seed, fertiliser and farm inputs, and technical support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) have made the excellent yield possible. According to the district DAE, winter vegetables have been grown on 1,140 hectares in the district: 310 hectares in Sadar upazila, 350 in Sreepur, 260 in Shalikha and 220 in Mohammadpur. Officials expect farmers to produce a total of 22,800 tonnes of winter vegetables from this land.

Soon after the recent rain and the receding of floodwater in low-lying areas, many farmers began planting early winter vegetables. Many started early varieties after harvesting short-duration aman across the district in late September. Most farmers are hopeful of higher profits from the current crop because demand for fresh vegetables is high locally and nationally.

Sushen Bala, a farmer of Hazratala village in Sreepur upazila of Magura, said: "With the agriculture department's help I have grown winter vegetables on one acre. I hope to earn about Tk 2 lakh from it this season."

Abid Mia, a farmer of Baraipara village in Sreepur upazila, said: "I expect a bumper winter vegetable yield this season. Local markets are now full of cauliflower, cabbage, radish, beans, bottle gourd, brinjal, green chilli and other vegetables. In a little while it will turn cold and many more vegetables will come to market. Then prices will fall a lot."

Md Tajul Islam, deputy director of the DAE in Magura, said: "Winter vegetables have been grown on 1,140 hectares in the district this season. Seed and fertiliser have been given to 1,680 farmers this season. Vegetables from this region not only meet local demand but are also supplied to major wholesale markets, including Dhaka's Karwan Bazar."

He said: "The agriculture department is supporting farmers with fertiliser, seed and modern training to raise yields and profits. Good harvests and fair prices encourage farmers to expand vegetable farming every year. In times of flood or crisis, Magura's produce has often helped stabilise the country's vegetable supply."

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