United News of Bangladesh

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. Read more: Coloured cauliflower cultivation gains round in Naogaon  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. Read more: Jhenaidah farmers making good profit by cultivating off-season cauliflower, cabbage 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. Read more: Jashore emerges as Bangladesh’s winter vegetable seedling hub “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.

The cultivation of coloured cauliflower has been gaining popularity among farmers in Naogaon as it is easy to grow and they earn good profit at low cost. Cultivating yellow and purple cauliflower successfully Jalal Hossain, a farmer of Kasba village under Hafania union of the district’s Sadar upazila, has created enthusiasm among other farmers who are thronging to his land to know about the cultivation process. Jalal said he received training on its cultivation from non-governmental organization(NGO) "Moushumi" last year. “Inspired by the cultivation of coloured cauliflower in a video footage during the training, I had bought 1,000 saplings with the assistance of the NGO and planted them on the land,” he said. Ranisankail farmers find fortune in cauliflower cultivation “Many people were saying that this cauliflower would not grow well in this area. They said who will buy it if tastes bad but I didn't lose hop,” the farmer said. He said he was adamant about selling the vegetable in the market. “I have received huge response buyers and farmers after success in coloured cauliflower cultivationand I have been able to earn profit. I have cultivated two types of cauliflower on 12 decimals of land.” It cost me about Tk 8000 for cultivation and now selling each piece at Tk 40-50 with a turnover of Tk 20,000 so far, he said. He hoped that he would be able to earn Tk 25, 000 more from the sale of the rest of the cauliflower. Early winter vegetables come as blessings for Jashore farmers Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials said colourful cauliflower is consumed as salad in China and it has more nutritional value and demand than the white one. Farmers can make profit by cultivating it with less cost and labour. Organic fertilisers and pheromone traps are used instead of chemical fertilisers and pesticides for its cultivation, they said. This variety of vegetable can be harvested within 70 to 80 days of planting and each weighs about two kilograms. The UNB correspondent talked to some local people- Mokhlesur, Asaduzzaman, Selina and Morsheda- who went to the cropland of Jalal to see and buy colourful cauliflower.Mahmudul Hasan Arif, agriculture officer of the NGO ‘Moushumi’, said under high yielding and high value new crops exhibition, 'yellow coloured ‘valentena’ variety and purple ‘carotena’ variety cauliflower were showcased. Read more: Apiculture in mustard field bring smile to Thakurgaon farmers Due to the success, the vegetable will be cultivated extensively in this region in the future, he hoped, he said adding farmer Jalal cultivated this cauliflower for the first time in the district. District DAE’s Agronomist Abul Kalam Azad told UNB that the first time cultivation by farmer Jalal will encourage other farmers in the district. Such colourful cauliflower contains vitamin A and B and beta carotene, folic acid, magnesium, manganese and antioxidants which has many health benifits. A white cauliflower is sold at Tk 20 to 30 per piece whereas the yellow and purple ones are sold at Tk 40 to 50, he said, hoping that its cultivation will increase a lot in future. Read more: Chapainawabganj farmers set to surpass Boro rice production targets

In these busy times, when convenience often trumps nutrition, finding appealing ways to introduce healthy vegetables to kids can be a challenge. However, nutritious winter vegetables like cauliflower can also be offered to the young members of your family though healthy and appetizing recipes. We have gathered 7 delightful cauliflower recipes that can pique your child’s curiosity.  Health Benefits of Cauliflower Cauliflower, also known as Romanesco cauliflower, with its striking fractal patterns, is not only visually intriguing but also nutritionally dense. The vegetable provides vital nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and folate.  Cauliflower strengthens a strong immune system and promotes digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Consumption of this winter vegetable also helps to lose weight in a healthy way. Adding to this, cauliflower helps the human body to fight aging in a natural way.  Read more: Healthy Alternatives to Cakes and Cookies: 7 Delicious and Nutritious Swaps 7 Delicious Cauliflower Recipes for Children Cauliflower Fritters Ingredients 350 grams cauliflower (chopped into small florets), ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, zest of 1 lemon, small bunch fresh parsley (chopped), small bunch green onions (chopped), ½ cup plain (all-purpose) flour, 1 clove garlic (minced), ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 medium egg, and 3 tablespoon olive oil. Instructions First, boil the cauliflower florets for precisely 6 minutes. After draining, transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and lightly crush them. Ensure it resembles small gravel-sized lumps. Add in salt, pepper, lemon zest, parsley, green onions, flour, garlic, parmesan, and egg. Using a spoon, thoroughly mix the ingredients.  Proceed to make 8-10 balls from the mixture and flatten them before placing it on a plate. Repeat this process until all the mixture is utilized. Then, in a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the cauliflower fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until a desirable brownness is achieved. Finally, arrange the fritters on a plate and serve them. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Cauliflower Cheese Egg Muffins Ingredients  350 g cauliflower florets, 5 eggs, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper, and optional baby spinach leaves. Instructions First, blitz the cauliflower until it is like fine couscous-like grains. In a bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Then, add the cheese and the prepared cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper as needed. At this stage, grease the muffin cups and carefully fill them with the egg mixture. You may decorate your muffins with spinach leaves. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the muffins for 15-20 minutes, or until they become firm and springy to the touch. Once they are done, allow the muffins to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes before serving. Read more: 5 Easy Fruit Bread Recipes Cauliflower Fried Rice Ingredients  2 ½ cups chopped cauliflower in a food processor, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion chopped, 1 cup peas and carrots (thawed), 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste), 2 eggs lightly beaten, and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional). Instructions First, rinse and chop the cauliflower into florets. In a food processor pulse the cauliflower until it is finely minced like rice in texture. Next, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then add onion, peas, and carrots, sautéing them until they are tender. Now pour the beaten eggs on one side and scramble the eggs.  Ensure they are cooked before mixing them with the vegetable blend. Then incorporate the cauliflower into the mixture, and pour soy sauce over it. Stir and fry the rice and vegetable concoction until it is heated through, and the cauliflower attains the desired tenderness. For extra flavor, you can add green onions. Read more: 7 Comforting Soups for Upset Stomach