Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, June 24, 2026 (BSS) - Young agricultural entrepreneur Abdur Rahim has achieved remarkable success by cultivating pointed gourd (potol) using eco-friendly and chemical-free methods in Birganj upazila of the district.

Rahim, 32, son of Abdur Rahman of Bhogdoba village under Birganj upazila, has emerged as a role model for local farmers through his profitable vegetable farming venture.

A recent visit to his farm revealed the success of his cultivation efforts. Rahim cultivated pointed gourd on 45 decimals of land and has already sold produce worth approximately Taka 170,000 during the current season.

Speaking to BSS, Rahim said he invested around Taka 52,000 in land preparation, seeds, organic fertilizers, irrigation, and overall crop management. Thanks to regular care and proper cultivation practices, he achieved a high yield.

Along with dedication and handwork he and two other two co-farmers he has been working regularly in the field. After deducting production costs, Rahim has earned a net profit of nearly Taka 118,000.

The growing popularity of pointed gourd in local markets and favorable prices have made the crop highly profitable, he added.

Award-winning model farmer Md Amzad Ali said the cultivation of pointed gourd has expanded significantly across different villages of Birganj upazila. Traders from various districts now regularly purchase the crop and transport it to markets across the country.

He added that farmers are following the guidance of the local agriculture department throughout cultivation, harvesting, and marketing processes to maintain product quality. As a result, the pointed gourds produced in the area are known for their high quality.

Birganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Md Shariful Islam described pointed gourd as a popular vegetable cultivated throughout the year. He said the region produces a variety of safe vegetables that help meet national demand.

According to him, nearly 50 farmers in the upazila have successfully cultivated pointed gourd this season, most of whom are young farmers. Their success has created considerable enthusiasm throughout the area.

"This year, farmers cultivated pointed gourd on approximately 20 hectares of land in Birganj upazila," he said. "The government has been encouraging farmers to adopt safe vegetable cultivation practices to improve their economic condition."

Shariful Islam highlighted the achievements of agricultural entrepreneurs including Abdur Rahim, Rashidul Islam, Md. Hormuz Ali, Akkas Ali, and award-winning model farmer Md. Amzad Ali, saying they have become examples of successful high-yield vegetable production for other farmers in the upazila.

He further said that the Upazila Agriculture Office regularly provides technical support on pest and disease management, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, for pointed gourd and other vegetable crops. Farmers are also being encouraged to diversify into vegetable cultivation alongside rice farming through the provision of seeds, fertilizers, and advisory services.

Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension in Dinajpur, Md. Afzal Hossain, said farmers in Birganj are among the leading growers of high-yield and profitable vegetable varieties among the district's 13 upazilas.

"This year, they have achieved notable success in cultivating improved indigenous varieties of pointed gourd," he said. "The Agriculture Department is providing all necessary support and guidance to encourage such vegetable farming. It is particularly encouraging to see educated youths becoming increasingly involved in modern agriculture."