Bean cultivation transforms farmers' fortunes as it gains momentum in Lalmonirhat

Bean cultivation is gaining popularity in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, with its high yield and fair market prices offering farmers a pathway to prosperity.

Farmers are increasingly dedicating their minimal land and resources to bean farming, often alongside other vegetables, creating vibrant landscapes adorned with colorful blossoms.

Favourable weather conditions have contributed to this year's bumper harvest, sparking optimism among farmers who see clusters of beans as symbols of financial hope.

According to local farmers, bean seeds are typically sown in rows of pits enriched with organic fertiliser at the end of the Bengali month of Ashar (June/July). Within two and a half to three months, after careful nurturing with fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides, the beans are ready for harvest and sale.

Many farmers in Lalmonirhat have significantly improved their livelihoods through bean farming, which requires minimal capital but yields substantial returns.

In addition to cultivating beans for consumption, many farmers grow beans specifically for seeds, which hold considerable market value.

Seed companies often collaborate with farmers, providing guidance and purchasing the seeds at fair prices for storage and distribution. Seed-focused farming, while requiring additional care and investment, offers higher profits.

Abul Bashar, a farmer from Duhuli village in Kaliganj upazila, said he has no land of his own. He had leased 25 decimals of land for bean cultivation and other vegetables with a promise to share one-third of the produce with the landowner, annually.

This year, he brought 25 decimals of land under bean cultivation and spent Tk13,000.

Every week, he gets 6-8 maunds of beans from the field which will continue for next two months.

However, the price of beans will likely drop further with availability of it in the local market, he said.

Currently, he managed to sell beans at Tk 35-40 per kg directly from his field.

Badal Mia, another farmer, said there is no alternative than cultivating beans for high profits with small land and minimal investment.

He spent Tk15,000 on 30 decimals of land and sold 7 maunds of beans weekly.

"I managed to get back the production cost and now focused on occasional spraying and harvesting for sale. Last year, he earned Tk1 lakh from the same amount of land," said Badal.

He expected high profit from his land following the good price of beans at the local markets.

Asadullah, another bean farmer, said he earned Tk60,000 by selling beans last year and the price of beans is higher due to its demand.

He claims that bean cultivation is unmatched for higher profits on small land.

Samad Mia, a farmer from Sonarhat in Kaliganj upazila, said he decided to quit farming as he did not get profit from his rice cultivation on highlands.

Following a relative's suggestion, he experimentally cultivated beans on 10 decimals of land two years ago and earned significant profits. Since then, his interest in bean cultivation has grown.

"This year, I have brought 40 decimals of land under bean cultivation and earned Tk30,000. If weather and market conditions remain favourable, he expects to earn Tk 1lakh," said Samad.

With earnings from bean cultivation, Samad supports his family, funds his children's education, and leases more land annually, overcoming financial hardships.

Inspired by his success, many farmers in his village have also started commercial bean cultivation.

Rabiul Islam, an assistant agricultural officer in Cholbola union, said, "We've advised farmers on winter bean cultivation and they are set to gain substantial profits this season."

Tushar Kanti, agriculture officer in Kaliganj upazila, said beans are a protein-rich vegetable with significant demand in the country. 

"Favourable weather conditions this season have led to a bumper yield, ensuring good profits for bean farmers," he added.