Published: 11:38 AM, 10 September 2026
Off-season crop farming transforms agriculture in Cumilla
Farmers in the Cumilla region are achieving success by venturing beyond traditional farming methods to cultivate new and off-season crops. This shift not only secures better market prices and improves the financial fortunes of many farmers but also allows consumers to enjoy the taste of winter vegetables out of season.
During a ground visit to various upazilas in the district, it has been learnt that farmers couldn't get fair prices due to the market being flooded with vegetables during peak seasons. They are now obtaining excellent yields by growing winter vegetables in summer, or cultivating crops like chili, bitter gourd, cucumber, and tomato during off-seasons. The cultivation of these off-season crops has been made possible through the use of modern agricultural technology, as well as the proper application of greenhouse and mulching techniques.
Md. Junaid Kabir Khan, Agriculture Officer of Cumilla Sadar South Upazila, said, "Vegetable prices drop significantly during the peak season, whereas there is high market demand during the off-season."
This remarkable success achieved by farmers in cultivating off-season crops is inspiring other marginal farmers across the district, thereby injecting new momentum into the region's agricultural economy.
Abu Taher, a farmer from Dalkuia village in Comilla Sadar South Upazila, has been cultivating summer tomatoes for the past three years. Encouraged by good market prices, he has once again cultivated the 'BARI Tomato-8' variety on 33 decimals of land using the mulching method.
Taher noted that the yield this season is exceptionally high compared to previous years. Beyond the assistance received from the 'B-Strong' project, he invested over one lakh taka of his own money; however, he reported that he has already recouped his investment. Although the initial selling price of 130 taka per unit has dropped slightly, he expects to make a profit of over five lakh taka from this harvest.
While talking to Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension, he said "Farmers are getting regular advice, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and comprehensive technical support for cultivating high-value off-season crops. We are encouraging farmers to adopt the mulching method to protect plants from rain-induced damage. Additionally, the implementation of field demonstrations under the 'B-Strong' project is sparking significant interest among other farmers in off-season crop cultivation."
"This strategy of adapting to climate change to grow crops out of season is becoming increasingly popular in the Cumilla region", he said.
Sabina Yeasmin, Director of the 'B-Strong' project, stated: "Through this project, we are emphasizing off-season crop cultivation for farmers in this region, as producing crops outside the standard season fetches good market prices. At the same time, consumers are able to enjoy a variety of vegetables year-round." She further added:
"During this Kharif season, we organized demonstrations for crops such as chili, bitter gourd, papaya, and tomato under the project, and farmers across all locations have benefited financially", she added.
>>Nurey Alam, AA
