Squash cultivation increases in Shahzadpur

Shahzadpur ( Sirajganj) Correspondent :
Squash is a pumpkin like vegetable. Although it is an exotic vegetable, its demand from the consumer is different. On the other hand, the interest of farmers in squash cultivation is increasing day by day as it is a high value crop.
Although the production cost of squash cultivation is about Tk 20,000 per bigha, about Tk1,50,000 can be earned by selling the produced squash. Apart from the cost of squash cultivation, the farmer gets a profit of about TK1 lakh 30 thousand per bigha.
This crop can be harvested within 40-50 days. As a result, farmers are benefiting from squash cultivation.
This vegetable is being cultivated in a wide area including Char Dhunail village of Rupbati Union of Shahjadpur Upazila of Sirajganj. In the current season, squash has been cultivated on 8 hectares of land in this upazila.
The squash here is going directly to Dhaka after meeting the local demand. Upazila Agriculture Office has also taken steps to increase squash cultivation. Through extension of modern technology, demonstration of improved quality squash production using mulching sheets has been set up from Rajshahi Division’s Agriculture Development Scheme.
Abdus Salam, the farmer who received the exhibition, said that due to the use of mulching sheets, there was no need to irrigate squash.
Pest infestation is less. He also said that there are 2,500 trees per bigha of land, each tree has an average of 3-4 squashes. Each squash is being sold at the rate of Tk 20. Agricultural Extension Officer Agriculturist Ehsanul Haque said – we are leading the farmers towards high value crops.
So that they benefit. Upazila Agriculture Officer agriculturist Mohammad Abdus Salam said – In a short time, you can get more profit in squash cultivation with less investment. Farmers are getting great success in squash cultivation.
The climate of this pasture is suitable and profitable for squash cultivation. That is why we also advise farmers to increase its cultivation.