The cultivation of broccoli, a winter green-vegetable of the cauliflower variety, is increasing day to day in Kishoreganj.
According to sources, farmers in some parts of the district started cultivating broccoli on the advice of the agriculture department officials several-year ago. The broccoli produced here are now going to the capital Dhaka after meeting the local demand.
It is learnt, hundreds of farmers from different upazilas of the district are now trying to change their lot by cultivating this nutritious vegetable. Green leafy broccoli like cauliflower is the most popular in Italy and the United States. There is also a huge demand for broccoli in some developed countries of the world including in China, Thailand and the United States.
Alauddin, a farmer of Adityapasha village in Pakundia upazila said the broccoli produced here is now being sold at various hats and bazaars in the district.
Although it looks like cauliflower, the production cost of broccoli cultivation is low, he said. He added that broccoli can be easily cultivated in normal agricultural lands and in the hostile weather.
Farmers said that the market price of broccoli is quite good. Even though it is the same crop as cauliflower, it is being sold in the market at a higher price. Besides, as this vegetable is very disease tolerant, the production cost is comparatively less than that of cauliflower.
According to the Agriculture Department, 40-50 thousand broccoli plants can be produced from one hectare of land in 65 to 70 days. There is one broccoli per plant.
Sources said, this green leafy vegetable like cauliflower belonging to the genus Cruciferae is rich in calcium, potassium, folate and fibre. It prevents heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Broccoli prevents cell damage by providing antioxidants, vitamins ‘A’ and ‘C’. Broccoli contains high levels of vitamin C. Just 100 grams of broccoli can meet 150 percent of the daily requirement of vitamin C in the human body.
Saiful Alam, Deputy Director, Department of Agricultural Extension, said, 'Kishoreganj, known as the vegetable zone, has a bright potential for commercial broccoli cultivation. Broccoli cultivation is being encouraged among farmers as this vegetable cultivation is comparatively cheap and profitable.'
