GOPALGANJ, Jan 16: Broccoli cultivation is gaining popularity among the farmers of Sadar and Tungipara upazilas in the district.
Sources said, a good number of growers in the district said broccoli production is going on well in the area. High market demand is the main reason for the expansion of its farming.
Rejia Begum of Khatra village under Gopalgganj Sadar said she cultivated 'Green carpet' broccoli on 52 decimals of land this year. The growth of the plants is satisfactory.
"I expect a profit of Tk 1,80,000 this season where I invested around Tk 50,000" she said,
Mondira Halder, sub-assistant agriculture officer of Borashi union, said broccoli cultivation is profitable for its market price and demand. It requires low cost but gives a healthy return. The vegetable can be harvested after 75 to 80 days of cultivation.
According to Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) official sources, a total of 25 hectares of land have been brought under broccoli farming under Sadar and Tungipara upazilas in the district. Some 400 farmers involved with growing 'Green carpet' broccoli on their land.
Farmer Rabin Biswas of Mitradanga village under Tungipara upazila said broccoli is selling at Tk 40 to Tk 45 per kg in local markets. "I hope to get around 3.6 tonnes of broccoli from my land", he added.
Jamal Uddin, Upazila Agriculture Office (UAO), Tungipara told The FE soil and weather condition is favourable for farming of broccoli vegetable and recently growers in this areas more involved on this broccoli vegetable farming and they are benefitted from it, UAO said.
Ramesh Chandra Bramha, deputy director (Agriculture), Gopalganj, said peasants are showing more interest in producing broccoli on commercial basis. Interested growers were provided quality seeds. Besides, Bangladesh Krishi Bank (BKB) distributed short and medium-term loans to the farmers.
