Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Sept 28, 2025 (BSS) - The cultivation of advanced varieties of cauliflower is gaining momentum across Rajshahi, particularly in the Barind tract, as farmers shift towards high-value crops to boost their incomes and improve livelihoods.

Traditionally a winter vegetable, cauliflower is now being successfully cultivated during the summer months in various upazilas including Durgapur, Godagari, Paba, and Puthiya. This shift is driven by increasing market demand and higher profits from off-season production.

Local farmers have embraced both commercial and homestead methods of farming, with many moving away from water-intensive crops like paddy. Support from government and non-government organizations has further encouraged this transition toward sustainable and profitable agriculture.

"The demand is high, and the prices are good," said Monirul Islam, a farmer from Dhamila village. "Retail prices recently ranged between Tk 160 and Tk 170 per kilogram, although it was even higher a week ago." He is currently cultivating cabbage on five bighas of land and expects to harvest in 10-15 days.

Muhammad Milon, 45, from Golai village in Godagari Upazila, has already begun reaping rewards. He cultivated cauliflower on 12 bighas and sold the produce from one bigha for Tk 1.60 lakh just last week. "The production cost was around Tk 30,000-35,000," he said, noting that early harvests yield significantly better returns.

Milon started planting cauliflower and cabbage in June across 30 bighas and plans to continue in multiple phases through the winter. "Early harvests-whether in summer or winter-are always more profitable," he added.

In Dewpara Union's Iswaripur block alone, around 45 farmers across six villages are now cultivating summer cauliflower and cabbage on approximately 350 bighas of land.

"We're seeing increasing interest in summer vegetable farming," said Atanu Sarker, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer. "The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is providing technical support to help farmers maximize profits. Vegetable farming is proving more lucrative than traditional cereal crops like paddy."

Farmers like Shatahar Ali, 46, from Chuniapara village in Durgapur, are inspiring others in their communities. He cultivated advanced cauliflower on 1.5 bighas of land with an investment of Tk 25,000 and has already sold produce worth Tk 85,000.

"Each piece is selling for Tk 85-90 directly from the field, and up to Tk 100 in the retail market," said Ali. "I expect to sell cauliflower worth over Tk 1.5 lakh this season."

According to Umme Salma, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi, cauliflower and cabbage are currently being cultivated on about 30 hectares of land in the district. She highlighted the increasing trend of both commercial farming and homestead gardening in the region.

"Farmers are turning to advanced, high-yield varieties that command good prices. Many are now cultivating cauliflower not just in winter, but in summer too, maximizing their profits," she said.

The Barind region, known for its arid conditions, is now witnessing a transformation. With less reliance on irrigation-heavy crops and growing support from agricultural programs, farmers are diversifying their crop choices and improving food security and economic resilience.

"Vegetable farming is changing lives," added Umme Salam. "It's bringing smiles to the faces of marginal and smallholder farmers."