In response to a dryer climate, farmers in Bangladesh are planting vegetables instead of rice. Drought has grown increasingly common in the region of Barind, while groundwater levels are dropping by around 50 centimeters each year as farmers turn to deep wells.
In the past decade, more farmers have planted cabbage, gourds, tomatoes, and radishes, which produce higher yields with less water and earn more money than rice. In one district, Rajshahi, the area of land where vegetables are grown has quadrupled in size since 2009.
The Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi supports farmers who want to make the switch, providing training and free seeds. While the perishability of vegetables poses a challenge, for many farmers the downsides are worth it. “I don’t think about going abroad because I can earn a healthy amount by staying at home,” said Mohammed Ali, a farmer who had previously worked in Saudi Arabia to send money home. “Nothing could be better than earning money and being with family.”
Source: context.news