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Barishal Region: Capsicum cultivation gaining ground
The commercial cultivation of capsicum is getting popular in the Barishal region, presenting new agricultural opportunities for local farmers. Originating from South America, this fruit, also known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is a favoured culinary ingredient and is rich in antioxidants.
Barishal Region: Capsicum cultivation gaining ground
The commercial cultivation of capsicum is getting popular in the Barishal region, presenting new agricultural opportunities for local farmers. Originating from South America, this fruit, also known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is a favoured culinary ingredient and is rich in antioxidants.
Capsicum is being cultivated across Mehendiganj, Hijla, Muladi, and Sadar upazilas of Barishal, as well as Amtoli, Taltoli, and Patharghata upazilas of Barguna, Mathbaria upazila of Pirojpur, and Char Fassion and Monpura upazilas of Bhola.
The plants bear fruit twice a year, allowing farmers to harvest twice after planting the saplings once.
During a visit to Loraipur Char under Barishal Sadar upazila, it was observed that capsicum has been cultivated on several acres of land alongside other winter vegetables, watermelons, and melons.
Muhammad Ibrahim, a farmer from Bhola Sadar upazila, said, "These lands on shoals are ideal for capsicum cultivation due to ample sunlight, easy access to water, and fertility of soil."
However, Shamsu Mia, a farmer from Barishal Sadar, pointed out the high costs associated with capsicum cultivation.
"It costs Tk 6-7 lakh to cultivate it on per bigha of land. But the price we get for our crop is much less compared to our investment. The wholesale price is usually Tk 80-90 per kg, while the retail price goes up to Tk 120-160."
Abu Sardar, a farmer from Kalapara upazila, said he cultivated capsicum on two acres of land this year after noticing a good demand in the market. "If I can make a profit this time, I will expand cultivation to more land next year," he added.
Some farmers have claimed they did not receive any support from the agriculture office.
"We are renting land to cultivate capsicum, investing our own money to produce and sell it. If the government had provided seeds or loans at low interest, we would have benefitted," said a farmer.GMM Kabir Khan, a horticulture expert from the Department of Agricultural Extension in Barishal, said a total of 1,353 tonnes of capsicum were produced on 76 hectares of land in Barishal division in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Kabir refuted the allegations that the DAE has not been supportive of farmers.
"We always support farmers by providing advice to them and encouraging the cultivation of crops based on area and season," he said.
The commercial cultivation of capsicum is getting popular in the Barishal region, presenting new agricultural opportunities for local farmers. Originating from South America, this fruit, also known as bell pepper or sweet pepper, is a favoured culinary ingredient and is rich in antioxidants.
Capsicum is being cultivated across Mehendiganj, Hijla, Muladi, and Sadar upazilas of Barishal, as well as Amtoli, Taltoli, and Patharghata upazilas of Barguna, Mathbaria upazila of Pirojpur, and Char Fassion and Monpura upazilas of Bhola.
The plants bear fruit twice a year, allowing farmers to harvest twice after planting the saplings once.
During a visit to Loraipur Char under Barishal Sadar upazila, it was observed that capsicum has been cultivated on several acres of land alongside other winter vegetables, watermelons, and melons.
Muhammad Ibrahim, a farmer from Bhola Sadar upazila, said, "These lands on shoals are ideal for capsicum cultivation due to ample sunlight, easy access to water, and fertility of soil."
However, Shamsu Mia, a farmer from Barishal Sadar, pointed out the high costs associated with capsicum cultivation.
"It costs Tk 6-7 lakh to cultivate it on per bigha of land. But the price we get for our crop is much less compared to our investment. The wholesale price is usually Tk 80-90 per kg, while the retail price goes up to Tk 120-160."
Abu Sardar, a farmer from Kalapara upazila, said he cultivated capsicum on two acres of land this year after noticing a good demand in the market. "If I can make a profit this time, I will expand cultivation to more land next year," he added.
Some farmers have claimed they did not receive any support from the agriculture office.
"We are renting land to cultivate capsicum, investing our own money to produce and sell it. If the government had provided seeds or loans at low interest, we would have benefitted," said a farmer.GMM Kabir Khan, a horticulture expert from the Department of Agricultural Extension in Barishal, said a total of 1,353 tonnes of capsicum were produced on 76 hectares of land in Barishal division in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Kabir refuted the allegations that the DAE has not been supportive of farmers.
"We always support farmers by providing advice to them and encouraging the cultivation of crops based on area and season," he said.
