Rajshahi, Agu 18 (V7N) - Rajshahi has witnessed a green revolution in the agricultural sector, as farmers are increasingly adopting profitable vegetable cultivation alongside traditional rice and jute farming. One of the standout crops gaining significant popularity is ridge gourd (patal), which has been embraced by local farmers. Among them, Mamun and Mofar from Puthiyapara village in Paba Upazila have set an exemplary success story. Their success is attributed to the guidance of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and the effective application of modern farming techniques. As a result, the area of ridge gourd cultivation in the district has increased by 140 hectares compared to last year.
 
According to the district's agriculture extension department, the area under ridge gourd cultivation has grown significantly this year, surpassing the target. Last year, it was cultivated on 846 hectares, but this year, the area has expanded to 986 hectares.
 
Mamun, a farmer from Paba Upazila, started cultivating ridge gourd using the trellis method on a 30-decimal plot. With an initial investment of Tk 25,000, he has already sold ridge gourd worth Tk 55,000. He hopes to earn around Tk 100,000 to 120,000 in the next three and a half months, provided the weather remains favorable and the market price stays good. The average market price for ridge gourd is between Tk 20 and 25 per kg, and his success has inspired others to follow suit.
 
Speaking about his success, Mamun said, "Many people initially told me that ridge gourd cultivation wouldn’t be profitable, but I had faith in it. I’ve already sold ridge gourd worth Tk 55,000, and I hope to sell around Tk 100,000 more. It feels great to see other farmers in the area getting interested in ridge gourd cultivation. This proves that trying something new can indeed change your fate."
 
Inspired by Mamun's success, another farmer from the same village, Mofar, has started cultivating ridge gourd on nearly one bigha (33 decimals) of land. His total investment is approximately Tk 30,000. Currently, he harvests 13 to 15 maunds of ridge gourd per week, which amounts to about 560 kg weekly. At a minimum price of Tk 20 per kg, he earns around Tk 11,200 weekly, or approximately Tk 44,800 monthly. Mofar expects to maintain this yield for the next four months, which could bring his total earnings to about Tk 179,200. After expenses, his net profit at the end of the season could reach around Tk 150,000.
 
Mofar shared, "In the beginning, I had some doubts, but with the guidance of agriculture officials and my hard work, I am now seeing good results. The good price in the market makes all the effort worthwhile."
 
In the major wholesale markets of Rajshahi, including Khorkhori and Nowhata, farmers are getting fair prices for their ridge gourd. Patal traders like Piarul say they purchase ridge gourd directly from farmers at rates of Tk 900 to 1,000 per maund and ship it to Dhaka. Around 80 to 100 trucks of ridge gourd are sent to Dhaka every week from Nowhata market, indicating the high demand for the vegetable.
 
Ummey Salma, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Extension Department, stated, "The trellis system prevents ridge gourd from coming into contact with the soil and water, which reduces diseases and improves its quality." As the water table in the Barendra region drops, the agriculture department is encouraging farmers to grow ridge gourd, as it requires less irrigation.
 
Salma further added, "The success of farmers like Mamun and Mofar is an inspiration to other farmers. With their combined efforts and the use of modern technology, the agricultural economy of Rajshahi is expected to grow even stronger in the future."
 
MA Mannan, Agriculture Officer of Paba Upazila, highlighted the role of the agricultural department in training farmers on modern cultivation techniques, especially the trellis method for ridge gourd farming. "We constantly monitor the fields and try to address any problems that farmers face on the spot," he said.
 
This rise in ridge gourd cultivation in Rajshahi has not only proven the effectiveness of modern farming practices but has also opened doors to more profitable and sustainable agricultural ventures for local farmers.
 
END/MRA/SMA/