Broccoli cultivation in Dumuria, Khulna. Photo; BSS

KHULNA, Jan 1, 2025 (BSS): Successful broccoli cultivation in Dumuria upazila of Khulna district has brought smiles to the faces of local farmers, turning the nutritious winter vegetable into a profitable cash crop in the region.

Successful broccoli farmer Md Abu Hanif Moral (55) of Kharnia village cultivated around 1,500 broccoli plants on 20 decimals of land this season and is selling each piece at Tk 50 in the local market.

Talking to BSS, Abu Hanif said he invested about Tk 5,000 in broccoli cultivation. "I am earning between Tk 1.70 lakh and Tk 1.75 lakh from broccoli alone this winter. Within a short time, I have made a profit of around Tk 70,000," he added.

He also said that besides broccoli, he is cultivating cauliflower, cabbage, bean, tomato, brinjal, spinach, radish and carrot on one acre of land, from which he expects to earn over Tk 5 lakh this season.

"I went through hardship with my four-member family three years ago, but broccoli farming has changed my economic condition since last year," he said.

Dumuria Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Md Nazmul Huda told BSS that broccoli, a nutritious vegetable belonging to the Brassica family, is rich in vitamins C, K and B6, fiber, potassium and antioxidants.

"These nutrients help boost immunity, improve digestion, strengthen bones and play a role in cancer prevention. Broccoli can be eaten both cooked and raw," he said, adding that sulfur compounds in broccoli help reduce inflammation and support brain health.

He said broccoli can be consumed in various forms such as fry, curry, soup or roast, and also used raw in salads. Its leaves and stalks are also edible and can be used in soups and other dishes.

The success of broccoli cultivation in Dumuria has inspired many other farmers to take interest in growing high-value vegetables for better income and improved nutrition.

According to BSS, around 190 tonnes of broccoli were produced on 10 hectares of land in the Khulna agricultural zone covering Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Narail districts this season.

Broccoli, a foreign variety of vegetable, has been gaining popularity in the coastal districts over the last four to five years due to its lucrative market price and growing demand. Like previous years, freshly harvested broccoli along with other winter vegetables is now abundantly available in local markets, delighting both buyers and sellers.

Although broccoli is very popular in foreign countries, it has now become familiar to consumers in Bangladesh as well.

Dr Raskin Shahnewaz, a nutritionist at Khulna Islami Bank Hospital, told BSS that broccoli is rich in protein, vitamin C and various minerals, and is well-known for its cancer-preventive properties.

The vegetable has diversified kitchen markets and added a new dimension to the local economy, experts said.

"I am very satisfied to get this seasonal vegetable regularly during winter," said Sahnaz Sultana, a woman entrepreneur from Iqbalnagar area of Khulna city. Currently, broccoli is selling at Tk 50 per piece in the local market.

Sagir Miah, a vendor at Shyandha Bazar kitchen market, said he has been selling broccoli almost every day for the last one and a half months, adding that demand has increased significantly.

Meanwhile, farmers in saline-prone areas are also showing interest in broccoli cultivation due to its higher returns compared to many conventional crops.

Like Dumuria upazila a successful farmer from Naihati village of Rupsha upazila, Sabbir Hossain said many farmers are now cultivating broccoli as they are getting better market prices than other seasonal crops. He expressed optimism about the bright prospects of commercial broccoli farming in the region.

Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khulna zone, said broccoli has flooded kitchen markets this season. "Although mainly the white curd is consumed, its leaves and stalks are also edible," he said.

He added that broccoli contains abundant vitamin C, K, B6, folic acid, potassium, manganese, magnesium and fiber. "Vitamin C and antioxidants help protect the body from infections and boost immunity, while fiber improves digestion. Calcium and fluoride strengthen bones, and certain compounds help prevent cancers, particularly stomach, bladder and breast cancer," he said.