Cumilla’s Lalmai Upazila has a good name for growing a variety of vegetables, particularly gourds, all the year round.
The gourds grown here are supplied to Dhaka, Chattogram and other districts in the country after meeting the local demand.
Since this vegetable is more profitable than any other, farmers say, they are turning to its cultivation more.
Unlike past years, prices of the gourd are better this year, bringing more smiles on the faces of the farmers.
Aminul Islam, a farmer from Lalmai area, says, "I have cultivated gourds on 52 decimals of land. I have spent Tk 35,000 on gourds cultivation.
“I have already sold gourds worth around Tk 90,000. I will be able to sell more gourds of about Tk 40,000.”
Nur Mohammad, a farmer in the same area, says, “It is easy to cultivate gourds as it is a hilly area. The cost of field maintenance is also low.”
The farmers in the upazila mainly wholesale their vegetables through its Nimsar Bazar, the largest vegetable marker in the district.
According to farmers, the wholesale price of a gourd at the market is now Tk 50.
Imam Hossain, a wholesale vegetable buyer, said, "I buy gourds from farmers and sell them in Dhaka and Chittagong."
“Excluding all expenses, I earn about Tk 10 per piece gourd. Cumilla gourds are in in great demand in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Surjit Chandra Dutt, Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension, Cumilla, says, “The weather in Lalmai area is good for gourd cultivation. Moreover, necessary agricultural inputs are readily available here.
“Farmers are cultivating gourds by taking advantage of these opportunities. The agriculture office is also providing regular advice to the farmers.”
