Companion Cropping Revolutionizes Bangladeshi Agriculture, Boosting Yields and Incomes

Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape is undergoing a quiet revolution. Across the country, farmers are increasingly turning to companion cropping—a practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same plot—to boost yields, reduce production costs, and improve income streams. This innovative approach, now widely adopted from the floodplains of Bogura to the orchards of Naogaon, is helping farmers overcome the challenges of shrinking arable land and rising urbanization pressures.

A Multifaceted Approach in Bogura

In Bogura, companion cropping is emerging as a viable strategy for increasing farm profitability. According to an Alokito Bangladesh report dated 18 February 2025, local farmers in Shajahanpur Upazila are cultivating multiple vegetables concurrently. By interplanting crops such as eggplant, chili, amaranth, and sesame alongside other short-duration vegetables, farmers are reaping the benefits of diversified produce on a single piece of land. One enterprising farmer, Uddin, noted that his mixed cropping efforts have significantly enhanced his income. In one instance, a one-bigha companion-cropped plot yielded eggplant sales worth approximately 130,000 BDT (about USD 1,073). Additionally, individual crop earnings included 9,000 BDT (USD 74) from eggplant seedlings, 13,000 BDT (USD 107) from chili, 5,000 BDT (USD 41) from coriander, 6,000 BDT (USD 50) from radish, 7,000 BDT (USD 58) from spinach, and 4,000 BDT (USD 33) from a local leafy vegetable. Local innovators Amzad and Rezaul have taken the method a step further by simultaneously cultivating a dozen different crops on 25 bigha of land—an initiative that not only minimizes costs but also ensures a near-year-round harvest. The Bogura Agriculture Extension Department, represented by Mohammad Matlubur Rahman, emphasized that as urbanization encroaches upon traditional farmland, methods like companion and relay cropping become essential for maximizing every inch of cultivable land.

Expanding the Practice Along the Jamuna Banks

The trend extends beyond Shajahanpur. A Bdnews24 report from 01 January 2025 detailed vigorous companion cropping activities along the banks of the Jamuna River in Bogura. In areas such as Bohail Char, Awlakandi Char, and several others, farmers are intercropping vegetables—mirroring practices seen in Shajahanpur. For instance, in Shimulbari village, farmer Moinul Hasan reiterated his successful experience on one bigha, echoing the earlier pricing and yield figures. These initiatives, supported by local agricultural offices, underscore a broader strategy to encourage integrated cropping systems amid diminishing arable land.

Youthful Innovation in Satkhira

In Satkhira’s Tala Upazila, young entrepreneur Suman Dash is diversifying his agricultural portfolio by combining traditional vegetable cultivation with commercial grape production. As reported by BSS on 03 February 2025, Dash first ventured into companion cropping with cucumbers and bitter gourd on a modest one-bigha plot. In 2021, an initial investment of around 100,000 BDT (USD 825) in cucumber and bitter gourd yielded sales of approximately 280,000 BDT (USD 2,309) and a profit margin of 180,000 BDT (USD 1,484).

Building on this success, Dash expanded his operations. In July 2024, he imported 450 grape seedlings from Maharashtra, India, and planted them on two bigha alongside watermelon and muskmelon as companion crops. This venture is expected to bring in significant returns once the grapes hit the market from October. Moreover, in November 2024, he initiated a capsicum project by planting about 8,500 seedlings. With production costs for capsicum ranging between 150,000 to 200,000 BDT (USD 1,237–USD 1,650) on two bigha, the expected harvest of 15–16 tons could generate total sales between 700,000 and 800,000 BDT (USD 5,774–USD 6,592), despite current market price challenges.

Sugarcane and Its Companion Crops

Sugarcane growers in Joypurhat are also embracing companion cropping to stabilize their income. A field day held on 27 January 2025—as covered by Khaborer Kagoj—showcased modern techniques to integrate companion crops like onions, garlic, and potatoes with sugarcane. The demonstration, organized by the Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute (BSRI) and led by Dr. Abu Taher Sohel, illustrated how maximizing land use not only increases sugarcane yield but also secures additional revenue from the companion crops.

Similar initiatives have been reported from Jamalpur and during subsequent field days in Joypurhat. For instance, a Jagonews24 report dated 12 January 2025 highlighted that digital payment solutions and technical assistance have encouraged farmers—who once hesitated to grow sugarcane due to delayed payments and pest issues—to return to the crop with a companion cropping strategy that includes potato cultivation. These efforts are complemented by earlier projects dating back to 2019, as noted by Business Bangladesh news portal on 18 February 2025, where government-backed programs aimed to integrate pulses, spices, and vegetables with sugarcane production. Farmer Suman Mia, participating in this initiative, reported that by allocating 33 percent of his land to sugarcane companion cropping, he managed to keep his production cost as low as 30,000 BDT (USD 247) while generating additional revenues of around 200,000 BDT (USD 1,650).

Historical Insights and Modern Applications

The benefits of companion cropping are not entirely new. An older report from Daily Samakal on 11 January 2020 in Chandanish, Chittagong, revealed that farmers who intercropped three to four vegetable varieties on a single plot achieved profits three to four times higher than those cultivating a single crop. The practice, once unconventional in regions like Shankhachar and Shatkania, has gradually become a staple strategy to mitigate risk; if one crop fails, the others may still thrive.

Doubling Profits with Onions in Pabna

In the famed onion-growing belt of Satheya in Pabna, companion cropping is making a marked difference. According to a Prothom Alo report from 20 November 2024, farmers are integrating crops such as Nepi grass, potol, and various leafy greens with traditional murikata (shallot) cultivation. By planting onion seed tubers (kand) with a spacing of 8–10 inches for companion crops, producers like Jahangir Hossain have managed to cut production costs and double profits. For example, on one bigha, the cost for onion seed tubers is about 60,000 BDT plus an additional 10,000 BDT for other inputs—totalling roughly 70,000 BDT (USD 577)—while the harvest can yield 45 man of onions valued at 5,000 BDT per man (approximately USD 41 each). Even if market prices fluctuate, the practice ensures that farmers enjoy a considerable profit margin.

Companion Cropping in Mango Orchards and Banana Fields

In Naogaon, a report by Daily Karatoa highlights the growing trend of cultivating maskolai, a variety of pulses, as a companion crop in mango orchards. Covering 1,745 hectares across several upazilas, this practice is not only economically beneficial but also contributes to soil moisture retention and organic mulching. The projected production is around 1.26 metric tons per hectare, translating to roughly 2,199 metric tons in total. The Bangladesh Agriculture Department has further bolstered this initiative by distributing free seeds and fertilizers to about 1,500 marginal farmers.

Similarly, in Meherpur, innovative farmers are experimenting with growing leafy cabbage (“patakopi”) alongside banana plantations. As reported by BSS on 29 July 2024, this method allows for the dual harvest of bananas and cabbages without incurring significant additional costs. Farmers like Md. Sadikul have found that the cost for companion cropping is absorbed by the overall banana production expenses, resulting in minimal extra input and risk.

Women Lead the Way in Lalmonirhat

In Lalmonirhat, female entrepreneur Rehena Ferdousi is setting an inspiring example by integrating companion cropping into her maize fields. According to a Prothom Alo article from 31 March 2023, Ferdousi planted drought-tolerant maize alongside “cardinal” potatoes on approximately 1.5 acres of land. The venture proved highly profitable: production costs were around 90,000 BDT (USD 742), while the harvested potatoes generated sales of nearly 300,000 BDT (USD 2,474). Ferdousi’s success is further supported by her husband and local agriculture officials, who credit her initiative with demonstrating the financial and practical benefits of modern, diversified cropping methods.

The Road Ahead

The celebration of Field Days in Joypurhat and Jamalpur—such as those reported by BSS on 03 March 2024 and Business Bangladesh on 18 February 2025—continues to highlight the promise of companion cropping. Organizers, including experts from BSRI and local research institutes, emphasize that this approach not only optimizes land use but also provides a buffer against market and environmental uncertainties. With government support, improved credit facilities, and technological advancements (such as digital payment systems), Bangladeshi farmers are well-positioned to further capitalize on these practices.

Agricultural officials uniformly stress that companion cropping is a win–win strategy. It reduces input costs, maximizes returns from limited land, and offers farmers a diversified income portfolio in an era when every hectare counts. As Bangladesh continues to modernize its agricultural sector, the widespread adoption of companion cropping may well become a cornerstone of sustainable, profitable farming in the country.