Moulvibazar Trader Turns Fallow Land Into Profitable Vegetable Farm
A businessman in Moulvibazar has successfully cultivated vegetables on previously fallow land using modern agricultural methods. His efforts have generated significant profits and drawn attention from local agricultural departments.
In the South Jangirai area of Juri upazila in Moulvibazar, local businessman Abdul Matin has successfully transformed fallow land into a thriving, year-round vegetable garden. Rather than leaving the property unused, Mr. Matin decided to put the idle space to productive use through commercial farming initiatives that now yield a continuous supply of fresh produce.
To achieve high yields, the farming operation utilizes advanced agricultural techniques. Specifically, Mr. Matin employs modern methods including the use of mulching paper and poly-shades to protect crops and optimize growing conditions. His initial expansion began in 2022, when approximately 20 decimals of his own land were combined with 60 decimals of leased property. The annual lease cost for the 60 decimals of rented land amounts to 25,000 Bangladeshi taka.
The financial returns from the venture have proven substantial. During the initial production cycle, an investment of approximately 40,000 taka yielded a profit of 1,600,000 taka. Current operational costs require about 150,000 taka per season for modern cultivation methods, while a full-time employed laborer receives a monthly salary of 15,000 taka. Market prices for the harvested produce currently stand at 110 taka per kilogram for tomatoes, 35 taka per kilogram for cucumbers, and 100 to 120 taka per gourd depending on the size. Furthermore, sales recorded from the beginning of the year through August 30 reached approximately 100,000 taka.
Reflecting on the successful transformation of the property, Abdul Matin stated, “The place was lying idle, so I put it to work. There are vegetables in the field all year round. You can say we do not need to buy vegetables to eat at home. We are three brothers. I also provide vegetables to the families of my other two brothers.”
The agricultural success has also attracted institutional recognition from regional authorities. On August 24, the Juri Upazila Agricultural Extension Department organized a day-long farmer training program directly at Mr. Matin's agricultural garden to share these modern cultivation practices with other local growers.
