Nazmul Khan Suzon, Sreenagar (Munshiganj)

Farmers in Sreenagar are achieving financial stability through the cultivation of winter stem vegetables.

The commercial farming of a high-yielding local variety, Kajla, is gaining popularity among locals due to its low production cost and high returns. Alongside other early vegetables, farmers are profiting significantly by cultivating these robust, green stems. Wholesale prices for a bundle (5-6 pieces) range from Tk. 8-10, while in open markets, they sell for Tk. 15-20.

Vegetable farmers from areas like Sondhardia, Brahmankhola, and Bir Tara are earning substantial incomes, with some making lakhs of taka from their stem crops. A field visit revealed extensive cultivation of potato, cauliflower, tomato, bottle gourd, and sweet pumpkin in the Tantor area, alongside early stem vegetables. The fields are lush with stems, and farmers and workers are busy tending to them.

At one field, laborers were seen bundling stems after harvest. Workers like Md. Akhtar Hossain and Akkas Molla shared that they earn Tk. 600 daily working in the fields. In the evening, these stems are transported to vegetable markets in the capital. Md. Shahin from Malkhanagar, a neighboring area in Sirajdikhan, mentioned purchasing 42 decimals of land's yield for Tk. 1.4 lakh. Laborers have been harvesting the stems for six days. These stems are rich in taste and nutrients, meeting significant market demand.

Local farmer Sheikh Aynal Hossain stated that he cultivated Kajla stems on 77 decimals (11 gonda) of land. Many farmers from nearby areas like Sondhardia, Pania, Singpara, and Chaitantoli are also engaged in Kajla stem farming. The crop is ready for sale within 40-60 days, offering the potential for earning lakhs in profit.

Sreenagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohsina Jahan Torun reported that this year, 585.5 hectares of land in Sreenagar have been dedicated to winter vegetable farming, with 20 hectares allocated specifically for stem cultivation. Farmers are being advised on cultivating high-yielding vegetables to meet growing demand.