Home ›› 29 Jan 2023 ›› Nation
Shahidul Islam, a farmer of Sirajganj, has achieved self-reliance by cultivating flowers of various varieties in polynet houses.
According to local sources, Shahidu has become success cultivating winter flowers in summer and summer flowers in winter inside the polyhouse. In addition to flowers, he also cultivates seasonal vegetables all year round.
A resident of Ratankandi union of the district’s Sadar upazila Shahidul Islam said he spends around Tk 5-6 lakh annually on flower cultivation including the upkeep of the net structure. His annual profit is around Tk 9-10 lakh.
Shahidul’s farm has had a bumper yield this season. The greenhouse is full of different varieties of flowers including marigolds, roses, and chrysanthemums.
The was seen busy picking flowers and packaging them to be transported to different districts of the country. Flowers are in high demand all throughout the year but especially during the winter months as it is the wedding season.
Other farmers of the area also took up flower farming in polynet houses inspired by Shahidul’s success.
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Sirajganj Sadar upazila sources said the polynet house was constructed in Ratankandi under the agricultural development through modern methods project.
The main purpose of this polynet house is to cultivate various high-value crops and flowers. Cultivation of off-season lettuce, capsicum, and various flowers in particular.
Polyhouse or greenhouse is a house or a structure made of translucent material like glass or polyethene where the plants grow and develop under controlled climatic conditions. The size of the structure can differ from small shacks to big-size buildings as per the need.
The structure can protect crops from natural disasters like cold waves, drought and heavy rainfall. Farmers can cultivate high-value crops and benefit financially.
Shahidul Islam said he also cultivates winter vegetables like tomato, capsicum, lettuce, cauliflower and cabbage during summer.
“Farmers do not have to leave their land fallow anymore and can cultivate all sorts of crops throughout the year without having to worry about natural disasters. I have a bumper harvest of flowers this season and the prices are good too,” he said.
He also said that many other farmers of the region have taken the initiative to grow flowers and vegetables in polynet houses due to his success.
Aminul Islam Rubel, another farmer involved in flower cultivation said the agriculture office helps them out regularly with advice and support. “Flower cultivation is a profitable venture. I sell around Tk nine lakh worth of flowers annually.”
Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Praban Roy said this is the first flower cultivation in polynet house initiative taken in the district. “Farmers can cultivate any crop all round the year and get lucrative prices.”
Tarek Hossain and Shahin Alam locals of the area said this is the largest polynet house they have heard of. They sometimes visit the farm to enjoy the view of different types and colours of flowers in full bloom.
Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Anwar Sadat said, the agricultural office built the polynet house as part of the agricultural development project in Rajshahi division.
“The main purpose is to boost high-value crop farming in the drought-prone area through modern farming methods. We expect to expand farming in polynet houses in the future. Not only will the farmers benefit financially but this will also be a boost to our economy,” he said.
