Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Jan 7, 2026 (BSS) - Farmers in the Rajshahi region are earning significantly higher profits from broccoli compared to conventional winter vegetables, as growing consumer demand for the nutritious vegetable continues to rise.

According to sources, broccoli not only adds variety to markets and diets but also improves nutritional intake. The region's prolonged cold weather and suitable soil conditions make it ideal for broccoli cultivation, particularly in the drought-prone Barind tract.

Farmers have increasingly been cultivating broccoli over the past few years due to its high market price and promising yield. 

Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarker told BSS that the farming techniques for broccoli are almost identical to those for cabbage and cauliflower. 

He added that the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) are actively promoting the crop and providing modern cultivation technologies.

Broccoli, a non-conventional winter vegetable, is gradually gaining popularity in Rajshahi due to its commercial potential. Alongside traditional winter vegetables, it is now regularly seen in both wholesale and retail markets, bringing diversity to the local vegetable supply.

Atanu Sarker noted that farmers in areas like Godagari are seeing success with broccoli, which is encouraging them to expand cultivation. The crop also adds nutritional variety to local diets and has strong potential for commercial growth in the northwest region.

Aminul Islam, a farmer from Pirijpur village under Godagari upazila, said many local farmers are now cultivating broccoli because it fetches a better market price than other vegetables. 

Hafizur Rahman, a farmer in Harinbiska, is harvesting broccoli from around one bigha of land and reported satisfactory yields and market prices.

"I have been selling broccoli at Taka 30 per piece since the beginning of harvest," Rahman said, adding that broccoli is more profitable than cauliflower and cabbage. He also achieved success with last year's crop on 15 katha of land.

Nabibar Rahman, 55, a farmer from Palpur village, said he has around 600 broccoli plants on one bigha this year and expects to earn higher profits from his harvest.

Dr. Shakhawat Hossain, Principal Scientific Officer at BARI, said broccoli is a winter vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. "It resembles cauliflower but is green rather than white. The region's soil and winter climate are favorable for its cultivation," he said. 

Dr. Hossain also predicted a bright commercial future for broccoli in northwest Bangladesh, noting that local cold weather in Rajshahi over the past few years has aided its growth.

The green leaves of broccoli, like cauliflower, are rich in protein and vitamin C and can be consumed directly. Its market price is currently three to four times higher than cauliflower.

Broccoli is increasingly popular among urban consumers, as well as in Chinese restaurants and grand hotels, where it is used for soups and other dishes. 

Dr. Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of DAE, said the crop has gained popularity among both farmers and consumers in rural and urban areas.

He added that various agricultural extension and research organizations have launched initiatives to promote broccoli farming. "DAE has also cultivated the crop in demonstration plots to encourage farmers to increase production commercially," 

Dr. Rahman said, noting that broccoli is easier to grow than cauliflower and cabbage and more tolerant of higher temperatures. Its nutritional value is also higher than other winter vegetables.