Farmers in the Rajshahi region are earning significantly higher profits from broccoli cultivation compared to traditional winter vegetables, as demand for the nutritious crop continues to grow among consumers.
Agriculture officials and farmers said broccoli is gaining popularity due to its high market price, promising yield, and strong nutritional value. The region has prolonged winter, fertile soil, and favorable climate—particularly in the drought-prone Barind tract—have created ideal conditions for its cultivation.
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarker said farming techniques for broccoli are similar to those used for cabbage and cauliflower. He added that the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) are actively promoting broccoli cultivation by providing modern farming technologies and technical support.
“Farmers in areas such as Godagari are seeing encouraging results, which is motivating others to expand broccoli cultivation,” Sarker said, noting that the crop is now regularly available in both wholesale and retail markets across the region.
Aminul Islam, a farmer from Pirijpur village in Godagari upazila, said many local farmers have shifted to broccoli as it offers better returns than other winter vegetables.
Hafizur Rahman, a farmer from Harinbiska village, said he has been harvesting broccoli from one bigha of land and selling it at Tk 30 per piece since the start of the season. “Broccoli is more profitable than cauliflower and cabbage,” he said, adding that he also had a successful harvest last year on 15 kathas of land.
Another farmer, Nabibar Rahman, 55, from Palpur village, said he planted around 600 broccoli plants on one bigha this year and expects higher profits compared to conventional crops.
Dr Shakhawat Hossain, Principal Scientific Officer at BARI, said broccoli is a winter vegetable rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protein, and vitamin C. “Although it resembles cauliflower, broccoli is green and nutritionally superior. Rajshahi’s soil and winter climate are well suited for its cultivation,” he said.
He also predicted a bright commercial future for broccoli in northwest Bangladesh, noting that colder winters in recent years have contributed to improved yields. Currently, broccoli sells at three to four times the price of cauliflower, he added.
Broccoli has become increasingly popular among urban consumers and is widely used in Chinese restaurants and upscale hotels for soups and other dishes.
Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of the DAE, said broccoli has gained popularity among both rural and urban consumers. “It is easier to grow than cauliflower and cabbage, more tolerant of higher temperatures, and offers higher nutritional value,” he said.
He added that DAE and other agricultural organizations are conducting demonstration plots and awareness programs to encourage farmers to expand commercial broccoli production in the region.