In the district of Gaibandha, Bangladesh, farmers are gravitating towards banana cultivation, attracted by its low input costs and favorable returns. The district's conducive soil and climate conditions have made it a suitable location for growing various banana varieties. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) observes a progressive increase in banana cultivation areas, with a projection to surpass future targets. This year, cultivation spanned 1,018 hectares across different seasons, marking an increase from the previous year's 760 hectares. Notably, cultivation areas are distributed among several Upazilas within the district, including Gaibandha Sadar, Sadullapur, Palashbari, Gobindaganj, Sundarganj, Saghata, and Phulchari. Farmers, experiencing higher profits from banana farming, are increasingly adopting this crop. Prices for a banana stick range from USD 1.28 to USD 3.84, varying by size, which supports local farmers' livelihoods. The DAE's Deputy Director in Gaibandha, Md Khorshed Alam, confirmed the trend of rising banana plantations, attributing it to the profitable nature of banana farming.
Source: Financial Express