Bean cultivation is gaining popularity in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, with its high yield and fair market prices offering farmers a pathway to prosperity. Farmers are increasingly dedicating their minimal land and resources to bean farming, often alongside other vegetables, creating vibrant landscapes adorned with colorful blossoms. Favorable weather conditions have contributed to this year’s bumper harvest, sparking optimism among farmers who see clusters of beans as symbols of financial hope. According to local farmers, bean seeds are typically sown in rows of pits enriched with organic fertilizer at the end of the Bengali month of Ashar (June/July). Within two and a half to three months, after careful nurturing with fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides, the beans are ready for harvest and sale. Many farmers in Lalmonirhat have significantly improved their livelihoods through bean farming, which requires minimal capital but yields substantial returns. In addition to cultivating beans for consumption, many farmers grow beans specifically for seeds, which hold considerable market value. Seed companies often collaborate with farmers, providing guidance and purchasing the seeds at fair prices for storage and distribution. Seed-focused farming, while requiring additional care and investment, offers higher profits. Abul Bashar, a farmer from Duhuli village in Kaliganj upazila, said he has no land of his own. He had leased 25 decimals of land for bean cultivation and other vegetables with a promise to share one-third of the produce with the landowner, annually. This year, he brought 25 decimals of land under bean cultivation and spent Tk 13,000. Read: Prices of meat, chicken, green chilli and vegetables still high despite falling demand Every week, he gets 6-8 maunds of beans from the field which will continue for next two months. However, the price of beans will likely drop further with availability of it in the local market, he said. Currently, he managed to sell beans at Tk 35-40 per kg directly from his field. Badal Mia, another farmer, said there is no alternative than cultivating beans for high profits with small land and minimal investment. He spent Tk 15,000 on 30 decimals of land and sold 7 maunds of beans weekly. “I managed to get back the production cost and now focused on occasional spraying and harvesting for sale. Last year, he earned Tk 1 lakh from the same amount of land,” said Badal. He expected high profit from his land following the good price of beans at the local markets. Asadullah, another bean farmer, said he earned Tk 60,000 by selling beans last year and the price of beans is higher due to its demand. He claims that bean cultivation is unmatched for higher profits on small land. Samad Mia, a farmer from Sonarhat in Kaliganj upazila, said he decided to quit farming as he did not get profit from his rice cultivation on highlands. Following a relative’s suggestion, he experimentally cultivated beans on 10 decimals of land two years ago and earned significant profits. Since then, his interest in bean cultivation has grown. “This year, I have brought 40 decimals of land under bean cultivation and earned Tk 30,000. If weather and market conditions remain favorable, he expects to earn Tk 1 lakh," said Samad. With earnings from bean cultivation, Samad supports his family, funds his children's education, and leases more land annually, overcoming financial hardships. Inspired by his success, many farmers in his village have also started commercial bean cultivation. Rabiul Islam, an assistant agricultural officer in Cholbola union, said, "We’ve advised farmers on winter bean cultivation and they are set to gain substantial profits this season." Read more: Urban Agriculture: Top 10 Monsoon Vegetables to Grow in Bangladesh Tushar Kanti, agriculture officer in Kaliganj upazila, said beans are a protein-rich vegetable with significant demand in the country. "Favorable weather conditions this season have led to a bumper yield, ensuring good profits for bean farmers," he added.

A bumper production of crops usually brings smiles to the faces of producers, but the bean farmers in Dumuria upazila of Khulna are worried as supply glut has pushed down prices to the extent that they fear they won’t be able to get their production cost by selling the vegetable.