RANGPUR, Oct 26: Farmers of different areas in the district are getting financially benefited through farming of red spinach (Lalshak) in recent years.
Due to easy cultivation process, low production cost and good profit farming of different leafy vegetables including red amaranth is on the increase across the region.
Cultivation of the leafy vegetable is easier as it does not require much fertilisers or frequent use of pesticides, farmers' sources said.
Moksedul Mia, a farmer of Rupshi village at Ranipukur union in Mithapukur upazila told the FE that he has been cultivating red amaranth on his land for the last few years and earning handsome profit. This year he has cultivated it on 40 decimals of land and already earned Tk 18,000 from its sale. He is optimistic of achieving more profit. At the beginning of harvesting per kg Lalshak was sold at Tk 35 to Tk 40 in markets while presently it is sold at Tk 15 to Tk 20 per kg, he also said.
Growers said that they prefer such leafy vegetable farming as it is more lucrative than cultivation of paddy and some other crop. Harvesting of the vegetable can be started within 25 to 30 days after sowing seeds, they added.
Traders from Dhaka and some other districts are coming to the region everyday to buy fresh vegetables, sources said.
DAE sources said commercial cultivation of red spinach and some other leafy vegetables is on the rise in the region owing to huge demands and profit. DAE also helps the grower by providing them necessary suggestions and agri- inputs. Early harvest ensures a good profit, sources added.
