Sajjadul Islam Rubel, a farmer from Hatigara village in Mazpara union under Atghoria upazila of Pabna, is achieving financial self-sufficiency by cultivating bottle gourds using the trellis (macha) method. Cultivation of bottle gourds via this method has expanded across the vegetable-abundant upazila, enabling farmers to harvest gourds year-round instead of only during winter.
Growing bottle gourds on trellises minimizes pest infestations and eliminates the need for heavy chemical pesticides, making local produce highly sought-after nationwide. Inspired by Rubel's success, numerous local farmers have adopted the practice, boosting regional production.
Acting on agricultural department advice, Rubel planted 'Lucky' variety bottle gourd seedlings on one bigha of his ancestral land, incurring a total production cost of 20,000 to 25,000 Taka up to harvest, and has already sold gourds worth nearly one lakh Taka this season.
Local farmers noted that bottle gourd cultivation relies primarily on cow dung, ash, water hyacinth, and water, requiring minimal chemical fertilizers and lower labor costs compared to other crops like paddy.
With strong market demand and high consumer preference during winter, one bigha of bottle gourds can yield between 1.10 lakh and 1.20 lakh Taka, supplemented by an extra 10,000 to 15,000 Taka from selling gourd shoots (doga).
Wholesale buyers from Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Barishal regularly source fresh, smooth, and flavorful gourds directly from local fields, where wholesale prices range from 30 to 40 Taka per piece. Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahmuda Motmainna stated that early-season bottle gourd cultivation using advanced varieties like Diana, Ziran, Martina, Sheetalau, Lucky, and Marshal is expanding rapidly with technical guidance from the agricultural department, helping farmers boost profits and bridge seasonal vegetable shortages.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Md. Masud Rana, Atghoria (Pabna) Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
