NALITABARI, SHERPUR, Mar 28: Farmers in Nalitabari Upazila of the district are transforming the chars or newly emerged river islands of the Bhogai River into productive vegetable plots, turning a once-risky landscape into a source of income and hope.
The Bhogai River, which flows down from Meghalaya in India, swells dangerously during the monsoon but leaves fertile alluvial land in the dry season, attracting local farmers eager to cultivate a range of vegetables.
This season, around 1,080 hectares of land along the Bhogai and Chellakhali rivers have been planted with vegetables, meeting the upazila's seasonal cultivation target. Farmers are growing both local and hybrid varieties, producing crops such as potatoes, onions, garlic, eggplant, tomatoes, pumpkin, radish, carrots, cucumber, bottle gourd, chili, and a variety of leafy greens. The produce has been well-received in local markets, ensuring both food supply and income.
On a field visit, the chars along the river appeared lush and green, a testament to the farmers' efforts. "Even though floods and illegal sand extraction erode the riverbanks each year, leaving many without arable land, cultivating vegetables on the chars has helped us reclaim our livelihoods," said Al Amin, a farmer from Nakugaon Village in Noaibil Union.
Other farmers echoed similar experiences. Abdul Alim from Konnagar Village in Morichpur Union said, "This year's vegetable yield has been excellent. We can meet local demand and sell the surplus in markets to support our families." Farid Mia, from Benirgop village, added, "The produce is abundant and prices are fair. We can earn a good income from these crops."
The fertile chars, deposited by riverine silt after the monsoon, allow high-yield cultivation at minimal cost. Hundreds of farmers across villages including Charali, Nakugaon, Kalakuma, Ghakpara, Korengapara, and Shimultala in Noaibil Union, and Konnagar, Fakirpara, and Benirgop in Morichpur Union, as well as areas in neighboring Nakla upazila, have embraced this initiative for both commercial and household food security purposes.
According to Md. Mashiur Rahman, the upazila agriculture officer, the district agricultural department supports farmers cultivating vegetables along riverbanks. "We encourage farmers to grow vegetables on the chars and provide continuous guidance through our field officers to boost yield and quality," he said.
For local residents, the river's fertile chars have become a symbol of resilience. Despite the risk of annual floods and land erosion, cultivating vegetables has not only improved food security but also offered financial stability. Farmers now view the river chars as a source of sustained livelihood and opportunity, turning a potentially destructive river into a productive landscape.
With careful planning and ongoing support from agricultural officials, the Bhogai River chars have been transformed into green belts that feed local markets and sustain communities in Nalitabari Upazila.
