Nilphamari and Gaibandha, February 11, 2025 – Farmers in northern Rangpur, Nilphamari and Gaibandha districts are pioneering the commercial cultivation of beetroot, a crop once unfamiliar to Bangladesh. This shift, driven by experimental farming and institutional support, is yielding promising results, offering a lucrative alternative to traditional crops like rice and jute.
Beetroot’s high nutritional value and year-round demand make it an attractive option despite initial high cultivation costs. With growing backing from agricultural officers and development organizations, beetroot farming is poised to transform the region’s agricultural landscape and boost farmers’ incomes.
A Breakthrough in Nilphamari
In Nilphamari’s Sadar and Syedpur upazilas, farmers are achieving remarkable success. One standout is Abu Sufi Ahmed, a young engineer from Kachharipara village. After completing his studies in Rangpur, Ahmed returned to agriculture, experimenting with beetroot cultivation on 52 bighas of land.
“At first, many mocked me, but now they come to see my success. The demand for beetroot is growing,” said Ahmed, who founded Back to Nature Limited (BNL) to market his products. His innovative approach includes drying and grinding beetroot into powder, sold in small jars at premium prices ranging from 500 to 1,000 taka each.
“Beetroot cultivation has great potential, especially in powdered form. We sell one to two kilograms of beetroot powder daily, reaching a wider market,” Ahmed explained. Inspired by his success, many local farmers are now considering beetroot farming for the next season. With a 75-80 day growth cycle, proper care ensures profitable yields. Rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants, beetroot is increasingly popular for salads, juices, and cooking.
Gaibandha Joins the Movement
Beetroot cultivation is also expanding in Gaibandha, where farmers have successfully cultivated the crop on 30 bighas of land across Sadar and Fulchhari upazilas.
Among the pioneers are Farukuzzaman Faruk and Mahfuza Begum, a farmer couple from Supari Vita village. Traditionally growing rice and jute, they faced declining profits. Encouraged by the SKS Foundation’s SMAP project, they ventured into beetroot farming in November 2024.
Initially hesitant, Farukuzzaman was convinced after research and consultations. Now, just months later, they have harvested nearly 1,000 kilograms of beetroot from their 20 bighas of land, selling it at 150 to 200 taka per kilogram. Their anticipated profit exceeds one lakh taka.
“Beetroot cultivation has exceeded our expectations. It has lower costs and higher returns than our previous crops,” said Farukuzzaman.
According to Harun Ar Rashid, Project Manager of SKS Foundation’s SMAP project, financial and technical support, along with marketing assistance, have been crucial to the initiative’s success. “We are committed to ensuring that farmers can expand this venture and generate even more profit,” Rashid stated.
Deputy Director of Gaibandha’s Agricultural Extension Department, Mohammad Khorshed Alam, praised beetroot’s potential. “The soil in Gaibandha is well-suited for beetroot, and yields are promising. Given its profitability, we plan to expand this cultivation in the future,” Alam affirmed.
The Future of Beetroot Cultivation
The beetroot revolution in Nilphamari and Gaibandha is creating new opportunities for farmers seeking alternative, high-profit crops. Despite initial costs of 40,000 to 45,000 taka per bigha, the profitability makes it a viable option in these agriculture-heavy districts.
Agricultural officers like Atik Ahmed and Dhiman Bhushan are providing farmers with guidance, while field-level agricultural assistants ensure proper crop care. “Beetroot is not only a high-value crop but also offers significant health benefits. We are proud to support farmers pioneering its cultivation,” said Atik Ahmed.
As more farmers embrace beetroot farming, these districts are poised for an agricultural transformation. With the continued efforts of farmers, local agricultural departments, and initiatives like the SKS Foundation’s SMAP project, beetroot cultivation is set to thrive, contributing to the economic prosperity of northern Bangladesh. For this initiative to reach its full potential, further investment in training, irrigation, and market access will be key to sustaining this agricultural success story.
