BOGURA, Jan 21: With noticeable assistance of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) tomato farming has changed fate of hundreds of poor farmers in Bogura district.
Getting repeated bumper production and fair market prices in previous years, the farmers have emphasised on tomato farming in a large scale across the region this season.
Meanwhile, the peasants of Dupchanchia, Khaloo, Sherpur, Nandigram, Gabtoly, Sonatola, Sariakandi, Dhunot, Shibganj, Adamdighi, Shajahanpur and Sadar upazilas have already become self-reliant by cultivating the vegetable.
Along with the flat cropland, good number char areas of the basin of the river-- Bangalee, Nagore and Jamuna have been brought under tomato farming, said Sub-assistant Agriculture Officer Faridur Rahman.
In a recent visit this correspondent found the field is pageant with green and the markets are filled with winter tomato. Besides, the farmers of the region are very happy to get due price and bumper production of winter crops in this season.
"I have turned into growing tomato from paddy in my 23 decimals of land in this season as I made over Tk 50,000 this year spending Tk 12,000 from my same cropland," said farmer Miznur Rahman of Dupchanchia.
If this price exists, the wheels of fortune of many farmers will be changed and the standard of life also will be improved. The farmers have been given pesticides, fertilisers and suggestions to get bumper production.
DAE official said the farmers are very keen to cultivate tomato in their lands for less cost and suitable weather because during this time their lands are out of farming. During a short span of time, they can expect a good harvest and much profit, DAE added.
