Photo : Messenger
Farmers in Sharsha Upazila of Jashore are reaping the benefits of cultivating hybrid varieties of bottle gourd. The fertile soil of this region has become a source of hope for farmers, as they are achieving substantial yields in a remarkably short time.
Leading the way is farmer Shafiqul Islam from Ulashi village in Sharsha Upazila, who has triumphed in cultivating hybrid bottle gourds. Delighted with the bountiful harvest obtained within a mere 60 days of sowing seeds, Shafiqul employed organic methods along with minimal chemical fertilizers to nurture round and tall bottle gourds.
Shafiqul's success has ignited interest among fellow vegetable farmers in bottle gourd cultivation. Prior to this achievement, he typically invested Tk 20 to 25 thousand per bigha, generating sales of up to two lakh taka.
Upon closer inspection, Shafiqul's innovative approach involves cultivating a hybrid variety of bottle gourd in a loft on one bigha (33 cents) of land, entirely free from pesticides. In his bottle gourd field, a spectacular display unfolds, with hundreds of small green bottle gourds hanging beneath the ladder.
The appeal of Shafiqul's poison-free bottle gourds has surged in the market, attracting farmers from Benapole, Navaron, Baganchra, Sharsha, Kayba, Shyamalagachi, Kathuria, Jirengacha, Gatipara, Nishchintpur, Sialkona, and Basatpur villages of the upazila to embrace bottle gourd cultivation.
Shafiqul Islam proudly declares his commitment to cultivating bottle gourds without the use of any toxins. He emphasizes the profitability of bottle gourd cultivation, citing its high demand in the market. Twice a week, he harvests and sells bottle gourds from his field, with sales reaching lakhs of rupees.
Buoyed by favorable weather conditions and meticulous care, Shafiqul anticipates another 3 to 4 thousand bottle gourds from his field. With each gourd fetching an average rate of 30 taka, he envisions an additional income of a lakh taka. Looking ahead, Shafiqul expresses his desire to expand the cultivation of other safe and poison-free vegetables.
Nazeer Mia, a shop assistant at Navaran market in Sharsha, attests to the high demand for bottle gourds, emphasizing their utility as a sought-after vegetable. The influx of bottle gourds from Sharsha into different districts of the country continues to meet the surging local demand.
Deepak Kumar Saha, the Agriculture Officer of Sharsha Upazila, acknowledges the bumper yield of bottle gourds and underscores the crucial role of agricultural officials in guiding farmers toward success. As the cultivation of bottle gourds gains momentum as a low-cost and lucrative crop, the agriculture office remains committed to overcoming potential challenges and promoting the production of safe, poison-free vegetables for the well-being of consumers.
Messenger/Jamal/Shahin
