Farmers Rejoice As They Harvest Cucumber

The vast fields of Nagarpur, Tangail, are currently adorned with a sea of yellow flowers and hanging green cucumbers. Local farmers are increasingly turning to the modern mulching method, which has resulted in a bumper harvest this season.

Field reports suggest that farmers in Nagarpur Upazila are delighted with both the high production rates and favorable market prices. Thanks to hospitable weather conditions, the yield has surpassed farmers' expectations.

According to the Tangail Department of Agricultural Extension, cucumbers have been cultivated on 1,050 hectares across the 12 upazilas of the district this season. This surge is seen as a new milestone for the district's agricultural productivity.

Cucumber cultivation is thriving in almost all upazilas, including Tangail Sadar, Nagarpur, Dhanbari, Ghatail, and Madhupur. The most popular varieties planted this year include Alvi-35, Kashinda, and other perennial (Baromasi) strains.

Ibrahim Mondal, a farmer from Sadar Upazila, noted that the higher profit margins compared to other crops are the primary reason most farmers are adopting the mulching technique.

Malek, a farmer from Nagarpur, expressed his satisfaction, stating that cucumbers are being sold directly from the fields at 40 to 60 BDT per kilogram. Due to the low production costs and high returns, many young people are becoming interested in cucumber farming.

Nagarpur Upazila Agriculture Officer, S.M. Rashedul Hasan, mentioned that the department has provided necessary support, including training, advice, fertilizers, and seeds, to encourage farmers. After meeting local demand, these cucumbers are being supplied to Dhaka and surrounding districts.
What is the Mulching Method?

Mulching is a modern agricultural technique where the soil surface around plants is covered with materials such as straw, leaves, or plastic sheets.

Soil Health: It helps maintain soil moisture.

Pest Control: It significantly reduces weed growth.

Increased Yield: This method typically boosts crop production by 20% to 30%.