Dinajpur and Naogaon, February 28, 2025 – Farmers in Bangladesh are reaping substantial profits by cultivating the foreign vegetable squash, demonstrating the crop’s potential as a lucrative alternative to traditional farming.
In both Dinajpur and Naogaon districts, squash cultivation has proven to be highly profitable due to its low production cost, quick yield, and increasing market demand.
A Profitable Venture in Naogaon
Abdul Latif Sweet, a farmer from Fatehpur village in Naogaon’s Sadar Upazila, has emerged as a success story in squash farming. By cultivating squash on just 25 decimals of land, he has earned nearly 100,000 taka in just three months.
“I sowed the seeds in polythene in December and transplanted the seedlings once they reached three inches in height,” Sweet explained.
His total investment, including seed sowing, polybag preparation, land cultivation, fertilizers, and pesticides, ranged between 13,000 and 15,000 taka. By mid-February, he began harvesting and has sold 180 maunds of squash at a minimum price of 600 taka per maund, amounting to a total revenue of 108,000 taka. After deducting expenses, his net profit stands at around 93,000 taka.
In addition to his commercial success, Sweet distributed 30 to 35 maunds of squash free of charge to visitors, neighbors, and relatives, valued at approximately 18,000 to 20,000 taka. Comparing it with previous potato cultivation on the same land, Sweet noted that squash provided significantly higher yields and profits.
Encouraged by his success, neighboring farmers like Jasim Uddin and Asad Hossain from Mongalpur village and Md. Nazrul Islam from Fatehpur village have expressed interest in squash farming.
Md. Shamsul Wadud, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, confirmed that the department had provided full advisory support to Sweet and emphasized the immense potential for squash farming in Naogaon. “We will continue supporting farmers who wish to cultivate squash,” he stated.
Squash Farming Gains Ground in Dinajpur
Similarly, in Dinajpur’s Khansama Upazila, farmer Mokbul Hossain has achieved notable success with squash farming. Supported by the local agricultural department, seven farmers in the upazila have cultivated squash using the mulching method.
The Sustainable Agricultural Development Project in the Dinajpur region provided farmers with free seeds, organic pesticides, and agricultural support.
Squash cultivation has been carried out in seven locations, with each plot covering around 20 decimals of land. Fields in Tongua Dolapara, Angarpara, and Jahangirpur are now filled with growing squash plants, with fruits at various stages of maturity.
Tajul Islam, a farmer from Angarpara, described the cultivation process: “Seeds need to be sown in September-October, and flowers appear within 35-40 days. Fruits can be harvested 10-15 days after pollination. Currently, squash is selling at an average price of 20-25 taka per piece.”
Khansama Upazila Agriculture Officer Yasmin Akter acknowledged the success of local farmers and assured continued support for those interested in squash cultivation.
The Growing Popularity of Squash Farming
Squash cultivation has been gaining traction in Bangladesh in recent years. The Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has developed a high-yielding variety called BARI Squash-1, suitable for the Rabi season. It has an average yield of 45 tons per hectare and can be harvested within 15-16 days after pollination.
Squash, commonly known as zucchini or courgette, has a strong commercial farming potential in various regions. Farmers in flood-prone areas like the Teesta, Dharla, and Brahmaputra riverbanks, as well as in districts such as Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, and Madaripur, have successfully adopted squash farming.
Agricultural scientist Dr. Md. Sharf Uddin highlighted the advantages of squash farming: “Squash grows quickly, requires minimal investment, and can be cultivated in a small space. Each plant produces 8-10 fruits, which reach maturity in just a few days. This crop has strong demand in both domestic and international markets.”
Economic Prospects and Future Expansion
Kurigram farmer Halima Akter has been growing zucchini for several years. “I sell some locally and export the rest. Currently, squash is selling for 25-30 taka per kg. My total investment in my 40-decimal plot is around 50,000 taka, but I have already sold squash worth 130,000 taka. If the market holds, I expect sales to reach 200,000 to 250,000 taka,” she said.
Mokbul Hossain, who has cultivated squash on 20 decimals of land in Khansama, expects a profit of 50,000 taka. He credits mulching paper and organic pest control methods for his success, noting that pesticide-free squash has attracted strong demand from consumers. Inspired by his achievements, many other farmers in the upazila have begun cultivating squash.
With increasing farmer interest and institutional support, squash farming is rapidly emerging as a profitable agricultural venture in Bangladesh. Given its high yield, low cost, and growing demand, it has the potential to become a key crop for small-scale farmers across the country.
