In the late 1990s, Bangladesh Agricultural Extensions introduced zucchinis, a new type of squash, to local growers. Initially, there was confusion about its cultivation and uses. Over time, zucchini has become popular among Bangladeshi growers due to its advantages such as lower water requirements, reduced production costs, higher yields, and increasing market demand.
Shithi Rani, a grower from Nilphamari, turned to zucchini cultivation as a means to utilize her land outside the monsoon season. This year, she cultivated about half an acre, producing approximately 5,000 kilograms of zucchinis. She highlighted the profitability of zucchini farming, noting a significant profit margin after deducting production costs.
Zucchini, also known as courgette, is now recognized as a high-value crop in Bangladesh, especially in less fertile lands along the Teesta, Dharla, and Brahmaputra River basins in North Bengal. Its cultivation supports the livelihoods of many, particularly in districts like Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, and Gaibandha.
Source: mongabay.com