The largest wholesale tomato market in northern Dinajpur. Photo: BSS

By Rustom Ali Mandal

DINAJPUR, March 2, 2026 (BSS) - The largest wholesale tomato market in northern Dinajpur is bustling with activity as more than 150 to 200 metric tons of tomatoes are supplied daily to districts across Bangladesh from Gabura Bazar in Sadar upazila.

Located about 4.5 kilometers from the district town on the banks of the Garbheshwari River, Gabura has earned nationwide recognition as the leading wholesale tomato hub in the northern region. Fresh, vibrant red tomatoes fill the streets, courtyards and temporary sheds of the market during peak hours.

During a recent visit to Gabura Bazar, farmers said tomatoes are harvested fresh from the fields every morning and brought directly to the wholesale market. Buyers from districts across the country arrive daily to purchase produce according to demand.

Farmers cultivate tomatoes based on orders from wholesalers, ensuring a steady supply throughout the season. Tomatoes from Gabura are especially popular in major cities, including the capital Dhaka, where they are widely used in restaurants and hotels, particularly in salads and various dishes.

Riazul Haque and Atiyar Rahman, farmers from Sheikhpura village near Gabura Bazar, said their tomatoes are often showcased in agricultural field exhibitions organized by the Agriculture Department. They said that demand for tomatoes from the area continues to rise each year.

Farmers recalled that in the past, poor communication systems caused significant post-harvest losses during the months of Falgun and Chaitra due to limited market access. However, improved transportation infrastructure has dramatically expanded market reach, ensuring year-round demand from the beginning to the end of the season.

Market traders Mirajul Islam and Amjad Ali said tomatoes are now transported in modern trucks to districts including Dhaka, ensuring minimal damage and maintaining quality. This efficient supply chain has strengthened profits for wholesalers and enhanced the market’s reputation nationwide.

Sirajul Hasan, Director of the Dinajpur Horticulture Department, described Gabura Bazar as a “Tomato Kingdom,” where the wholesale market appears covered in red produce daily. 

Wholesalers from Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Faridpur, Gazipur, Cumilla, Chandpur, Cox’s Bazar and other districts regularly purchase tomatoes here.

Although tomato is traditionally a winter Rabi crop, farmers in Dinajpur have expanded cultivation into the Kharip-1 season. After harvesting Aman paddy, many farmers are now planting tomatoes instead of Boro rice, increasing production and profitability.

According to officials, high-demand varieties such as Suruvi, Rani and Pavlin are widely cultivated in the area. Each warehouse employs 20 to 30 workers who sort, grade and pack tomatoes into plastic crates before loading them onto trucks.

Sardar Farid Hossain, a worker at the market, said 500 to 700 laborers are employed daily in tasks ranging from unloading produce to sorting, packing and transportation. Workers earn between Taka 500 and Taka 800 per day.

Md. Abdul Jalil, President of the Gabura Tomato Wholesale Market Wholesalers Association, said 25 to 30 truckloads of tomatoes leave the market daily for destinations across the country. “All tomatoes brought to this market are sold. There is no shortage,” he said.

Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the Dinajpur Agricultural Extension Department, said the department has prioritized tomato cultivation in the region by providing technical support and guidance to farmers. As a result, yields have improved significantly, elevating Dinajpur’s status in the agricultural sector.

Once known primarily as a major food-producing region, Dinajpur is now gaining recognition nationwide for its thriving tomato industry and expanding market network.