NALITABARI, SHERPUR, Apr 22: Farmers in the riverbank areas of Nalitabari Upazila in Sherpur are increasingly turning to chilli cultivation, encouraged by good returns and favourable market prices.
The growing interest is particularly visible along the banks of the Bhogai and Chellakhali rivers, where farmers are cultivating chilli both on char lands and regular farmland. The spice crop produced in the area has gained popularity across the country, with supplies reaching Dhaka and other major markets.
Agriculture officials say the relatively low cost of cultivation and higher profitability compared to other crops have encouraged farmers to shift towards chilli farming. This season, growers are especially satisfied after receiving fair prices for dried chilli.
Sources said Morichpuran Union has the highest concentration of chilli cultivation among the upazila's one municipality and 12 unions. Areas such as South Konnagar, Fakirpara, Benirgop and Maulvipara have seen a notable rise in the number of chilli growers. Chilli is also cultivated, to varying extents, in unions including Jogania, Kolospaar, Noyabil, Nonni, Poragaon and Rajnagar.
Farmers say chilli cultivation has not only met household demand but also provided a steady source of income.
The success of the crop has been so significant that one of the unions in the upazila is named "Morichpuran".
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, a target was set to cultivate chilli on 75 hectares of land this season, which has already been achieved.
In many fields, chillies have begun to ripen, and farmers are now harvesting and drying them in open spaces, including char lands and household yards, before sending them to market.
At present, green chilli is selling at Tk 70 to Tk 100 per kilogram in local markets, while dried chilli is priced between Tk 350 and Tk 400 per kilogram.
Farmers say production costs are relatively low, while yields can be high. On average, chilli production ranges from 800 kg to 2,400 kg per acre, depending on care and conditions.
Local farmers Monsur Ali Mir and Habibur Rahman said that proper care and favourable weather conditions can ensure good yields and higher profits. Another farmer, Sohanur Rahman, said that although yields are slightly lower this season, prices remain encouraging.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Mashiur Rahman said agricultural officials are providing regular field-level support and guidance to farmers, particularly on pest control and improved cultivation techniques.
Officials say the continued support, along with strong market demand, is likely to further expand chilli cultivation in the area in the coming seasons.
