Farmers in the Barind region of Rajshahi are increasingly shifting to commercial strawberry cultivation, attracted by its ease of farming and high profitability.
Once considered an exotic fruit, strawberries are gaining popularity in Bangladesh alongside strong demand in international markets. Local farmers say the crop begins bearing fruit within a month of planting and continues producing for four to five months, making it more lucrative than many traditional crops.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), strawberry cultivation in Rajshahi has expanded by two hectares compared to last year, supported by improved production techniques and better marketing systems. Once fruiting begins, strawberries can be harvested and sold every two days.
Ghulam Mostafa, a farmer from Kismat Kukhundi area in Paba upazila, has cultivated strawberries on over three bighas of land. He planted seedlings in mid-Kartik and is already seeing higher-than-expected yields. Each bigha is producing around 70kg of strawberries daily, while cultivation costs stand at approximately Tk175,000 per bigha.
He said his produce is supplied not only within Rajshahi but also to major markets in Dhaka, including Kawran Bazar, Bakshi Bazar and Baipail, as well as in Chattogram and Sylhet. At the beginning of the season, yields were modest—around 300 to 500 grams—but prices reached as high as Tk1,500 per kg. Currently, wholesale prices range between Tk500 and Tk550 per kg amid increased production.
Rajab Ali, a farmer from Mohishalbari village in Godagari upazila, is cultivating strawberries on four kathas of land. He said the plants will produce fruit for at least five months, with peak production during Magh, Falgun and Chaitra, continuing until mid-Boishakh.
Monirul Islam from Chaitanyapur village said strawberries are harvested every alternate day, requiring eight to ten workers on harvest days, while two workers are engaged regularly. “The income from strawberry sales is sufficient to cover labour costs,” he said, adding that he left his previous job to focus entirely on farming.
Professor Dr AKM Rafiqul Islam of the Department of Botany at Rajshahi University said strawberry cultivation is as simple as growing potatoes or eggplants. Seedlings are typically planted between November and December, with flowering starting within a month and fruit ready by March.
He described strawberries as a high-value crop, noting that each plant produces about 250–300 grams of fruit and around 6,000 plants can be cultivated per bigha. At the farm level, strawberries sell for about Tk600 per kg, with strong prospects in both domestic and export markets.
Professor Dr Monjur Hossain, a researcher in strawberry cultivation, said locally developed varieties using tissue culture methods have proven highly suitable for Bangladesh’s soil and climate, with three varieties already showing excellent results.
DAE data shows that strawberries were cultivated on 12 hectares of land in Rajshahi during the 2024–25 season, producing 89 metric tons with an average yield of 7.9 metric tons per hectare. In the 2025–26 season, cultivation has expanded to 14 hectares, with expected production rising to 115 metric tons and yields projected at 8.229 metric tons per hectare.
Additional Deputy Director (Crops) Mita Sarker said strawberries are widely used not only as fresh fruit but also in products such as jelly, cakes, medicines, soaps and cosmetics, boosting demand across multiple sectors.
With favourable weather, growing market demand and increasing interest among young entrepreneurs, commercial strawberry farming is emerging as a profitable venture in Rajshahi, contributing to improved livelihoods and new employment opportunities.
