United News of Bangladesh

As winter settles over Chuadanga, vast stretches of farmland have turned white — not with frost, but with the blooming heads of cauliflower that mark one of the district’s most profitable vegetable seasons in recent years. The bumper yield, coupled with favourable market prices, has brought long-awaited smiles to the faces of farmers who suffered losses just a year ago. Farmers said that they are spending Tk 30,000–35,000 per bigha and selling produce worth Tk 80,000 to Tk 1.3 lakh, earning profits of Tk 50,000–70,000 from each bigha of land. Read more: Coloured cauliflower cultivation gains round in Naogaon  According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target for cauliflower cultivation in Chuadanga this year was set at 2,975 hectares. Early Harvest, Early profit Traders said that the price of cauliflower is higher this time compared to last time. Because it reached the market earlier, farmers are getting a good price.  Mohammad Tarikul Islam, a farmer from Gaidghat village in Sadar upazila of Chuadanga district, said he spent Tk 40,000 to cultivate cauliflower on two bighas of land. “I sold it for 1.20 lakh. Last year I had a loss, but this time it has been fully recovered. If the prices stay this good, I will expand cultivation next year,” he said. Read more: Jhenaidah farmers making good profit by cultivating off-season cauliflower, cabbage Mohammad Hasanur Rahman, a farmer from Garabaria Baganpara, said he brought seven bighas of land under cauliflower cultivation. “I sold each bigha for 1.10 lakh. After expenses, there has been a profit of 60–70 thousand taka per bigha. Last year I sold it for 60–70 thousand, but this year the price has jumped by Tk 50,000.” New Hope for Young Farmers Among the new generation of growers is Mohammad Arafat, a student who manages his father’s farm. “I cultivated three bighas. One and half bighas of early cauliflower sold for Tk 1.25 lakh per bigha,” he said with pride. “Regular cauliflower is now selling for Tk 80,000–90,000. Even after expenses, I will earn Tk 50,000–60,000 per bigha.” Arafat’s story reflects a trend seen across the district—young people actively participating in vegetable cultivation, motivated by rising profits and growing demand. Favourable Weather Fuels Success Another local farmer, Mohammad Shahjan Ali, said favourable weather conditions helped ensure an excellent harvest. Read more: Jashore emerges as Bangladesh’s winter vegetable seedling hub “I sold cauliflower for Tk 1.2 lakh per bigha in advance. With production costs around Tk 30,000–35,000, I made Tk 60,000–70,000 in profit. Last year’s losses have been fully recovered this season,” he added. Vibrant Market The enthusiasm is not limited to farmers. Wholesalers are also finding strong business opportunities. Moniruzzaman, a trader from Belghachi village in Sadar upazila of the district said demand for cauliflower is stronger than last year.

At first glance, the white polythene canopies stretching across both sides of the road just 10 kilometres west of Jashore town resemble festive tents set up for a grand wedding. A closer look, however, reveals a different celebration — one of soil, sweat and seedlings. This vibrant landscape belongs to Abdulpur and Bagdanga villages in Jashore Sadar upazila, widely recognised as the country’s winter vegetable seedling capital, where a quiet agricultural revolution is underway. As evening falls or rain begins, farmers cover the seedbeds to protect young plants. Some are busy sowing seeds, others watering the sprouts, while some uproot mature seedlings for sale. Between 250 to 300 growers in Abdulpur and Bagdanga produce 20 to 25 crore vegetable seedlings over a six-month season, generating sales worth Tk 20 to 30 crore, according to local farmers. These seedlings, including cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beet, turnip, tomato and chili, are distributed to nearly all 64 districts of Bangladesh. From morning to dusk, farmers and traders from across the country flock to the area to collect high-quality seedlings, which have gained a reputation even in the most remote corners of the country. How to know when your garden vegetables are ready to harvest Rekan Mia, a grower from Abdulpur, said seedling production began in the area around 20 years ago, but commercial-scale production has accelerated over the past decade. He, however, noted that excessive rainfall this year disrupted several planting cycles, causing significant losses. The rising prices of seeds, fertilisers, labour and polythene have added to farmers’ financial strain, he said, urging the government to provide financial assistance to help recover the losses. Saddam Hossain, another grower from Bagdanga, pointed out their seedlings are sold both online and offline across the country. “Traders from different districts come to purchase seedlings directly. There’s also a dedicated seedling market at the Churamankathi bazaar in Sadar upazila, which attracts buyers nationwide,” he said. Mamun Hossain shared current rates, noting that good-quality cauliflower seedlings sell for Tk 1,000–1,500 per thousand, while cabbage seedlings range from Tk 800-1,100 depending on quality. “We produce all types of winter vegetable seedlings here. Commercial seedling cultivation has created employment for many locals. With proper government support, this sector can see further growth,” he added. Prices of winter vegetables drop in Khulna, essentials continue to rise

In these busy times, when convenience often trumps nutrition, finding appealing ways to introduce healthy vegetables to kids can be a challenge. However, nutritious winter vegetables like cauliflower can also be offered to the young members of your family though healthy and appetizing recipes. We have gathered 7 delightful cauliflower recipes that can pique your child’s curiosity.  Health Benefits of Cauliflower Cauliflower, also known as Romanesco cauliflower, with its striking fractal patterns, is not only visually intriguing but also nutritionally dense. The vegetable provides vital nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and folate.  Cauliflower strengthens a strong immune system and promotes digestion. It has anti-inflammatory properties. Consumption of this winter vegetable also helps to lose weight in a healthy way. Adding to this, cauliflower helps the human body to fight aging in a natural way.  Read more: Healthy Alternatives to Cakes and Cookies: 7 Delicious and Nutritious Swaps 7 Delicious Cauliflower Recipes for Children Cauliflower Fritters Ingredients 350 grams cauliflower (chopped into small florets), ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, zest of 1 lemon, small bunch fresh parsley (chopped), small bunch green onions (chopped), ½ cup plain (all-purpose) flour, 1 clove garlic (minced), ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 medium egg, and 3 tablespoon olive oil. Instructions First, boil the cauliflower florets for precisely 6 minutes. After draining, transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and lightly crush them. Ensure it resembles small gravel-sized lumps. Add in salt, pepper, lemon zest, parsley, green onions, flour, garlic, parmesan, and egg. Using a spoon, thoroughly mix the ingredients.  Proceed to make 8-10 balls from the mixture and flatten them before placing it on a plate. Repeat this process until all the mixture is utilized. Then, in a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Fry the cauliflower fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side until a desirable brownness is achieved. Finally, arrange the fritters on a plate and serve them. Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss Cauliflower Cheese Egg Muffins Ingredients  350 g cauliflower florets, 5 eggs, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper, and optional baby spinach leaves. Instructions First, blitz the cauliflower until it is like fine couscous-like grains. In a bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Then, add the cheese and the prepared cauliflower. Season with salt and pepper as needed. At this stage, grease the muffin cups and carefully fill them with the egg mixture. You may decorate your muffins with spinach leaves. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the muffins for 15-20 minutes, or until they become firm and springy to the touch. Once they are done, allow the muffins to cool in the tray for about 5 minutes before serving. Read more: 5 Easy Fruit Bread Recipes Cauliflower Fried Rice Ingredients  2 ½ cups chopped cauliflower in a food processor, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion chopped, 1 cup peas and carrots (thawed), 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (to taste), 2 eggs lightly beaten, and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional). Instructions First, rinse and chop the cauliflower into florets. In a food processor pulse the cauliflower until it is finely minced like rice in texture. Next, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then add onion, peas, and carrots, sautéing them until they are tender. Now pour the beaten eggs on one side and scramble the eggs.  Ensure they are cooked before mixing them with the vegetable blend. Then incorporate the cauliflower into the mixture, and pour soy sauce over it. Stir and fry the rice and vegetable concoction until it is heated through, and the cauliflower attains the desired tenderness. For extra flavor, you can add green onions. Read more: 7 Comforting Soups for Upset Stomach

Vegetable growers in Jashore district are working overtime to hit the winter market early and get a good price and add an extra flavour to Bengali cuisine. The crop fields in Churamonkati, Satmile, Barinagar, Hoibatpur, Kashimpur, Bandabila, Lebotala, Nongorpur and Isali union of Sadar upazila, the hub of vegetable farming in the district, are emerging green with winter delicacies like cauliflower, cabbage, beans, radish, bottle gourds and a variety of spinach.   Read Bangladesh, Somalia to establish cooperation on contract farming According to official sources 60 per cent of the country's total vegetable harvest comes from Jashore. After meeting the local demand the vegetables are supplied to other parts of the country. Although the farmers have blamed unseasonal rain for the delay in early winter vegetable cultivation and its soaring prices, some farmers have already succeeded in taking their produced items in the local market aiming to earn more money. Read Agricultural Loans in Bangladesh: Banks Offering Loans to Farmers and Farms According to the District Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), as the Robi season started in mid-October, the vegetable growers in the district have already brought their land under cultivation which will continue until mid-March. Already the authorities concerned have set a target of bringing 16,730 hectares of land under vegetable cultivation. Of these, winter vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, bean, radish, red spinach and green spinach have been cultivated in some 4,135 hectares of land of the district. Read Seaweed farming can transform Bangladesh’s blue economy: Experts During a tour of the areas this UNB correspondent found that the farmers are passing a busy time in cultivating vegetables in Satmile, Churamonkati, Barinagar, Hoibatpur, Kashimpur, Bandabila, Lebotala, Nongorpur and Isali union of Sadar upazila. Kamal Hossain, a vegetable grower of Bagdanga village in Churamankati in Sadar upazila, said “All kinds of winter vegetables are grown here. As during the peak season, the price of vegetables drops. I have brought my 2.5 bighas of land under cauliflower and cabbage cultivation early to get a higher price.” Read IFAD, govt start distributing HVG inputs, processing equipment to smallholder farmers “I hope I can harvest the winter vegetables before the month of Agrahayana,” he said.