Jahangir's bold shift sets example, supports families

RAJSHAHI, Feb 05: Once employed at Bangladesh Flying Academy, Jahangir Hossain, a young farmer of Thalta village in Nowhata municipality of Paba Upazila, quit his salaried job in 2021 to take up commercial farming on just 10 kathas (0.5 bighas) of land.
Today, his venture has expanded to 12-13 bighas, where exotic and Chinese vegetable varieties are grown, including beetroot, mint, lettuce, ice lettuce, Thai basil, cherry tomato, red cabbage, capsicum, and bunching onion. Beetroot dominates nearly 10 bighas.
Jahangir works along with his labourers -overseeing harvests, packaging, and quality control - reflecting his deep commitment. Local worker Toiyobur Rahman said, "exotic" vegetables were uncommon before Jahangir started cultivating those in their area and added that Jahangir is now an example for others.
Jahangir explained, "Rice and wheat prices rarely rise, but vegetables bring better profit per kilogram. That's why I chose this path."
Currently, wholesale beetroot sells at Tk 40-50 per kg. One bigha can yield sales up to Tk 150,000, with production costs around Tk 70,000-75,000. Mint cultivation on three bighas is supplied to restaurants in Kushtia, Jashore, Khulna, Bogura, Rajshahi, and Chapainawabganj, with high demand during monsoon. "Mint requires less investment but gives good returns," he said.
Jahangir shared, "I used to depend on a job. Now, my work supports five families. That's my greatest success."
Paba Upazila agriculture office supported Jahangir since the start. Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Md Jalal Uddin Dewan praised him as a prudent farmer who understands market dynamics and manages phased production and marketing well.
Paba Upazila Agriculture Officer MA Mannan said Jahangir is an advanced, educated and innovative farmer. "If more farmers follow his model, agriculture will become more profitable."

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