By Kalam Azad BOGURA, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS) – Local traders and exporters in Bogura, widely known for vegetable cultivation, have set a target to export about 10,000 tonnes of potatoes this season. Traders of the district, often called the ‘vegetable district’ due to its fertile soil and favorable weather, export agricultural products to many countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Singapore, Malaysia, and Nepal. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), about 28 varieties of vegetables are cultivated in the district during the winter season and around 20 varieties during the summer season. Of these, potato is one of the main crops, cultivated extensively in Shajahanpur, Shibganj, Sherpur, Kahalu, and Gabtoli upazilas. DAE sources said that a total of 13,200 hectares of land were brought under winter vegetable cultivation last year, producing 320,000 tonnes of vegetables. In the current 2025–26 season, a target has been set to produce about 300,000 tonnes of vegetables on 13,000 hectares of land, while people involved in agriculture expect that production may exceed the target. Locals said that various types of vegetables are being exported from Shibganj upazila under special arrangements, and traders are now looking to include potatoes in these exports. Under this arrangement, vegetables are collected from multiple locations in the upazila and shipped abroad through Chattogram Port. Several exporting companies, including the local firm M/s Sagar Traders, are involved in processing and facilitating these exports. Sagar Hossain, proprietor of M/s Sagar Traders, said, “Good quality vegetables are collected from Shibganj and surrounding areas, graded and specially packaged. Each packet weighs more than seven kilograms. It is then taken to Chattogram Port in a covered van and shipped abroad. These vegetables are being exported to seven countries through several agents in the country.” According to information from exporting companies, importers from various countries have placed orders for about 10,000 tonnes of potatoes, 5,000 tonnes of cauliflower and cabbage, and significant quantities of green chilies and tomatoes this season. Abdul Malek, a farmer from Mokamtala village in Shibganj upazila, said, “This year's potato yield has been good. Due to exports, the prices are also comparatively higher in the market.” Rafiqul Islam, a farmer from Deuli village in the same upazila, said, “We are paying more attention to cultivation after hearing that potatoes will be exported. If exports are regular, our fear of losses will be reduced. We also plan to increase cultivation further in the future.” Farmers said that new potatoes are currently being sold at Taka 1,100 to Taka 1,600 per maund in the local market, while the price of old potatoes stored in cold storage is comparatively lower. They hope the market will stabilize further if exports increase. Shibganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Hannan said that farmers are being given necessary advice on producing exportable potatoes. Field supervision is carried out to ensure quality and packaging.  Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry officer Masud Rana said that if exports continue regularly, farmers will benefit more.  

FARIDPUR, Jan 12, 2026 (BSS) – Three people, including two siblings, were killed and 10 others injured when a pickup collided with a train in Boalmari upazila this afternoon. The deceased were identified as Jabbar Molla, 15, and Mocha Molla, 30, sons of Shaifar Molla, and Jahanara Begum, wife of Abul Kalam. All are residents of Bilsorail village in Moyna union. Quoting locals, Officer-in-Charge of Boalmari Police Station Md Anwar Hossain said the accident occurred in the Sotashi area around 2:30 pm when the victims were returning from Dobra Jute Mill riding in a pickup van. The train hit the vehicle, killing three people on the spot and injuring 10 others. Five seriously injured victims were taken to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, while the remaining five were admitted to Boalmari Upazila Health Complex.