Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape is witnessing a remarkable transformation as farmers nationwide shift from traditional white cauliflower to innovative, naturally coloured variants. Praised for their superior nutritional profile, striking appearance, and premium market prices, these vibrant cauliflowers—ranging in hues from yellow and purple to green and multi-coloured mixes—are quickly becoming the crop of choice in regions from Pabna to Natore.
A Nationwide Trend with Tangible Rewards
Farmers across the country are reaping benefits from this new venture. In Bil Vadhuria village, Pabna (18 February 2025, SaraBangla), farmer Aslam Ali described his transition:
“Last year, I began cultivating coloured cauliflower, and the profits were substantial. This season, I planted over 6,000 plants on 1.5 biggah of land, selling them wholesale at 30–40 taka per kilogram (approximately $0.25–$0.33).”
Such financial gains have encouraged other farmers to experiment with these varieties. In Tangail’s Bhuyanhapur upazila (18 February 2025, DhakaMail), female entrepreneur Chabina Khatun showcased her success on just 15 percent of her home yard. Relying exclusively on organic inputs rather than chemical fertilizers, she cultivates three distinct cauliflower colours and brings her crop to market within 90 to 95 days. “Each piece now sells for 25–30 taka (around $0.21–$0.25),” she noted, her success inspiring other local growers and women entrepreneurs alike.
Regional Success Stories
Maulvibazar, Komolganj
In Komolganj (18 February 2025, Kalbela), farmers Fatema Begum, Nazira Begum, and Rehena Begum have introduced yellow-coloured cauliflower on 35 percent of their land. Cultivated using organic methods, the crop is selling at nearly double the price of its white counterpart. With production costs at about 24,000–25,000 taka (approximately $198–$206) and sales reaching around 50,000 taka (roughly $412), the farmers remain optimistic despite seasonal challenges.
Dinajpur’s Birganj Area
Vegetable grower Kushol Chandra Ray, cultivating 20 percent of his land with coloured cauliflower, reported that while conventional white varieties fetch around 5 taka per piece, the colourful option sells for 20–40 taka. “I’ve already sold produce worth 7,000 taka (around $58) and expect total earnings of 45,000–50,000 taka (roughly $371–$413),” he stated. Local officials emphasize the crop’s high antioxidant and vitamin content as key drivers behind its growing market demand.
Sheerpur and Beyond
In Sheerpur’s Jalakata Moholla (16 February 2025, Jugantor), farmer Mosharaf Hossain expanded his experimental cultivation to a commercial scale. With just 15 percent of his land now devoted to the high-yielding “caretina” variety, he invested about 5,000 taka (roughly $41) and has already secured sales between 7,000 and 8,000 taka (approximately $58–$66). Meanwhile, in Natore (8 February 2024, Ajkaler Khobor), local farmer Abdul Alim achieved record success on a modest 10-katha plot by planting 2,200 seedlings for a total investment of 6,000 taka (about $50). Harvesting his crop in just 60–65 days, he netted nearly 140,000 taka (around $1,155) in profit, a result that has spurred interest among neighboring farmers.
Noogaon’s Young Entrepreneurs
In Noogaon’s urban fringe (07 February 2025, Daily Karatoa), young entrepreneurs Minajul Islam Pinto and Saju Rahman undertook large-scale cultivation over a combined 1,600 shatak (decimal) of land. With each cauliflower weighing between 1 and 1.5 kilograms and maturing in 65–70 days, the pair report that each piece now sells for 20–30 taka (roughly $0.17–$0.25), yielding total earnings of nearly 50,000 taka (around $413). Their venture, supported by local development agencies such as Mausumii and PKSF, has ignited further interest among local cultivators.
Feni and Chattogram Initiatives
In Feni’s Dagnabhuya (18 February 2025, NTv) and parts of Chattogram (January 2023, BanglaNews24), commercial projects are underway where modern techniques and organic inputs are replacing traditional practices. In Feni, entrepreneur Md. Hasan Ahmed has utilized a 120-shatak plot to grow both coloured cauliflower and broccoli, while in Chattogram, 15 farmers have embraced “environment-friendly safe production” methods under a local project, highlighting the crop’s visual appeal and premium taste.
Government and Private Sector Support
This agricultural shift is bolstered by coordinated support from government agencies and private organizations. Agricultural officers in Pabna, for instance, are actively advising farmers on the benefits of coloured cauliflower—citing its enhanced nutritional content and superior market performance. In regions like Noogaon and Natore, local extension offices and NGOs such as HED Bangladesh and PKSF are providing improved seed varieties, organic fertilizers, and technical training on eco-friendly pest management practices.
As Md. Saiful Islam, an agricultural officer in Feni, explained, “Using bio-organic methods, we are helping farmers produce high-quality coloured cauliflower without resorting to chemical pesticides.”
Economic and Nutritional Advantages
The economic incentive is a driving force behind the crop’s adoption. Coloured cauliflower commands higher prices—often 20–40 taka per kilogram or piece—compared to the 5–6 taka typically fetched by the white variety. Moreover, the crop is naturally rich in beta-carotene, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. These nutritional benefits not only enhance consumer appeal but also contribute to improved health by boosting immunity and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Sustainable Practices for a Greener Future
A key aspect of this trend is the emphasis on sustainability. Farmers are increasingly turning to organic practices, using bio-organic fertilizers and environmentally friendly pest control methods such as pheromone traps. This shift away from chemical inputs benefits both the environment and public health. In Natore, for example, farmer Abdul Alim’s success with organic techniques has encouraged local authorities to further promote eco-friendly farming initiatives across the district.
Future Prospects and Export Potential
With robust domestic demand and growing international interest in nutrient-rich, organic vegetables, experts predict that Bangladesh could soon emerge as a leading exporter of coloured cauliflower. Enhanced by government support and modern agricultural practices, the prospects for scaling production look promising. Local agricultural officials anticipate that increased cultivation will not only boost rural incomes but also position Bangladesh favorably in global markets.
Looking Ahead
As colourful cauliflower continues to capture the imagination of both farmers and consumers, its future looks bright. This vibrant crop—offering higher profits, enhanced nutrition, and sustainable cultivation methods—is redefining the nation’s agricultural landscape. With ongoing support from governmental and private sectors alike, Bangladesh is poised to expand production, meet rising domestic demand, and explore lucrative export opportunities. The journey of coloured cauliflower from experimental trials to a national success story exemplifies the innovative spirit of Bangladeshi agriculture and paves the way for a more resilient, profitable, and sustainable future.
[…] Colourful Cauliflower Cultivation Blossoms Across Bangladesh […]