Bagerhat, Jan 14, (V7N) - Once dominated by shrimp farms, the saline lands of Bagerhat's coastal region are now thriving with diverse crops and vegetables. In areas like Amadi, Bagali, Maheshwaripur, Maharajpur, and Koyra Sadar, once barren lands now flourish with red beet, cauliflower, tomatoes, and more, signaling a remarkable shift in agricultural practices. This transformation has not only brought a vibrant green landscape but also smiles to the faces of local farmers.

A shining example of this transformation is Uma Roy from Baserhula village in Rampal Upazila. Previously limited to shrimp farming due to high soil salinity, Uma now cultivates various vegetables on 7 acres of land, earning significant profits. Supported by the Coasts Project of donor organization CordAid, she and other farmers received training, salt-tolerant seeds, and agricultural tools. This season alone, Uma earned 45,000 taka by investing 15,000 taka, securing a profit of 30,000 taka. Her husband, Aniruddha Bala, shared that shrimp farmers are now diversifying into vegetable farming, making their livelihoods more secure.

According to Md. Joynal Abedin, Bagerhat coordinator of the COASTS Project, the initiative—operating since July 2020—aims to bring 5,000 hectares of coastal saline land under cultivation by 2024. In Bagerhat, 950 hectares have already been reclaimed, with 2,500 farmers receiving support. Shankar Kumar Majumdar, Deputy Director of the Bagerhat Department of Agricultural Extension, highlighted the region's salinity challenges but expressed optimism that continuous efforts from agricultural departments and development projects will further revitalize uncultivated lands, offering farmers sustainable livelihoods.

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