High prices, record chilli harvest bring joy to Phulbari farmers

PHULBARI, KURIGRAM, Jan 30: Farmers in Phulbari Upazila of Kurigram are smiling this season as favourable weather has led to a bumper chilli harvest.

The high yield, coupled with strong market prices, is providing much-needed income and optimism to local growers.

Field visits to Naodanga Union and surrounding areas-including Gojrekuti, Khalshiakothal, Balatari, Kurushafaruja Jagritari, Gorokmandal, and Char Gorokmandal-show vast green chilli fields thriving under the sun. The sight of flourishing chilli crops reflects the hard work of farmers, many of whom cultivate multiple crops, not just chilli, to sustain their livelihood. Even farmers without their own land lease or borrow land from others to grow chilli and other Rabi crops to support their families.
This season, chilli farmers are busy harvesting their crops due to both the bumper yield and high market demand. Some are picking chilli for personal use, while many are bringing produce to the market for sale.

In Gojrekuti, chilli farmers Afzal Hossain, Taher Ali, and Mojibur Rahman are cultivating chilli on 1, 6, and 5 bighas of land respectively. They reported that this year's favourable weather and strong market demand have pushed prices to Tk 3,000-3,500 per maund. Afzal Hossain said that cultivating chilli on one bigha costs around Tk 30,000-35,000. From sowing to harvest, one bigha yields about 65-70 maunds of chilli. He sold the crop to local traders a month ago for Tk 75,000 per bigha, while some farmers earned Tk 65,000-80,000 per bigha.

Overall, a single bigha can generate Tk 80,000-100,000 in profit if marketed effectively.
Mojibur Rahman added that some farmers rely on women labourers to harvest and then sell chilli to nearby markets in Lalmonirhat and Boro Bari, earning between Tk 2,500-3,500 per maund. After covering costs, a bigha can bring a net income of Tk 80,000-100,000.

Local traders, including Dulal Molla and Musabbar Ali, said they are buying chilli from farmers at Tk 2,500-3,000 per maund and selling it in Kurigram and Lalmonirhat at Tk 500-800 higher per maund. Strong demand and higher prices in Dhaka and other cities this season are ensuring profits for both farmers and traders.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Nilufa Yasmin said, chilli cultivation covers around 75 hectares across six unions of Phulbari. She added that this year, favourable weather and proper care have kept crops free from pests and diseases, resulting in high yields. With good market prices, farmers are benefiting significantly.