(BSS) - Bitter gourd cultivation has been gaining popularity in various fields of Saltha upazila in the district in recent years, with local farmers reaping good profits thanks to favorable market prices.

Encouraged by the returns, more farmers are turning to bitter gourd farming each season of the upazila.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, production of bitter gourd and other vegetables has covered 55 hectares of land this year, with a significant portion dedicated to bitter gourd.

Officials have advised farmers to expand their market network in Dhaka and nearby districts to sustain the growing production.

Successful farmer, Milan Fakir of Ballabhdi area, began cultivating bitter gourd about eight to ten years ago on one bigha of land.

Impressed by the initial profits, he has gradually increased his farming area and this year has cultivated bitter gourd on about six acres of land.

"I am harvesting and selling an average of 20 to 25 maunds of bitter gourd every day," Milan said, adding that he sells the produce at wholesale prices ranging from Taka 80 to 100 per kilogram. The produce is then supplied to nearby upazilas through local wholesalers.

Milan shared that he once considered leaving agriculture after suffering losses from other crops, but bitter gourd farming turned his fortunes around.

"Not only me, many farmers in our area have started cultivating bitter gourd after seeing my success. The profits are much better compared to other crops," he added.

His younger brother, Shakib Al Hasan, a student at Nabakam Palli University, also helps with the cultivation. "We are making good profits, and many farmers have followed our example with successful results," he said.

Local farmer Mosharraf Fakir from Jadnandi village said that proper pesticide application from the beginning of cultivation helps ensure a better yield.

However, some locals have expressed concern that the rapid expansion of bitter gourd cultivation might lead to marketing challenges in the future. On the positive side, the sector has created increased employment opportunities, particularly for women, who are earning wages by harvesting bitter gourds.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Sudarshan Sikder said, "Farmers are being encouraged to follow environmentally friendly and planned cultivation methods. We have advised them to explore new wholesale markets in the capital and surrounding districts to ensure fair prices and sustainable growth."

With continued success and expanding market linkages, bitter gourd farming is proving to be a lucrative source of income for farmers in Saltha Upazila - offering a bright example of agricultural transformation in rural Bangladesh.