As winter settles over Chuadanga, vast stretches of farmland have turned white — not with frost, but with the blooming heads of cauliflower that mark one of the district’s most profitable vegetable seasons in recent years.

The bumper yield, coupled with favourable market prices, has brought long-awaited smiles to the faces of farmers who suffered losses just a year ago.

Farmers said that they are spending Tk 30,000–35,000 per bigha and selling produce worth Tk 80,000 to Tk 1.3 lakh, earning profits of Tk 50,000–70,000 from each bigha of land.

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 According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target for cauliflower cultivation in Chuadanga this year was set at 2,975 hectares.

Early Harvest, Early profit

Traders said that the price of cauliflower is higher this time compared to last time. Because it reached the market earlier, farmers are getting a good price.

 Mohammad Tarikul Islam, a farmer from Gaidghat village in Sadar upazila of Chuadanga district, said he spent Tk 40,000 to cultivate cauliflower on two bighas of land.

“I sold it for 1.20 lakh. Last year I had a loss, but this time it has been fully recovered. If the prices stay this good, I will expand cultivation next year,” he said.

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Mohammad Hasanur Rahman, a farmer from Garabaria Baganpara, said he brought seven bighas of land under cauliflower cultivation. “I sold each bigha for 1.10 lakh. After expenses, there has been a profit of 60–70 thousand taka per bigha. Last year I sold it for 60–70 thousand, but this year the price has jumped by Tk 50,000.”

New Hope for Young Farmers

Among the new generation of growers is Mohammad Arafat, a student who manages his father’s farm. “I cultivated three bighas. One and half bighas of early cauliflower sold for Tk 1.25 lakh per bigha,” he said with pride.

“Regular cauliflower is now selling for Tk 80,000–90,000. Even after expenses, I will earn Tk 50,000–60,000 per bigha.”

Arafat’s story reflects a trend seen across the district—young people actively participating in vegetable cultivation, motivated by rising profits and growing demand.

Favourable Weather Fuels Success

Another local farmer, Mohammad Shahjan Ali, said favourable weather conditions helped ensure an excellent harvest.

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“I sold cauliflower for Tk 1.2 lakh per bigha in advance. With production costs around Tk 30,000–35,000, I made Tk 60,000–70,000 in profit. Last year’s losses have been fully recovered this season,” he added.

Vibrant Market

The enthusiasm is not limited to farmers. Wholesalers are also finding strong business opportunities.

Moniruzzaman, a trader from Belghachi village in Sadar upazila of the district said demand for cauliflower is stronger than last year.

“Supply is good and we the wholesalers are able to sell better than before. With strong yields in the fields and stable supply in the market, both traders and farmers are satisfied and farmers are receiving fair prices,” he said.

Optimistic Officials

Masudur Rahman Sarkar, Deputy Director of district Agriculture Department, said the district is one of the country’s leading vegetable-producing regions.

“This year they have set a target to bring 8,640 hectares of land under winter vegetables and 7,228 hectares have been cultivated, including 1,494 hectares of cauliflower. Both yield and prices are good, so farmers are making profit. We are providing them with regular technical assistance and market-related guidance,” he said.

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The farmers could increase their profits further by targeting market demand at the right time, Sarkar. “The agriculture department stands with the farmers and will continue to support them,” he added.