Thakurgaon Farmer Sohel's Sweet Corn Success Inspires

In the sunlit fields of Bhandara, Ranisankail municipality, Sohel Rana’s pioneering sweet corn venture is transforming the local agricultural landscape. Sohel’s bold decision to experiment with sweet corn cultivation has not only brought him financial success but is also sparking interest among fellow farmers in the region.

A Bumper Harvest and Prosperity

During a visit to Sohel's thriving cornfield on a quiet Sunday morning, rows of lush green stalks swayed gently in the breeze, bearing golden cobs that reflected the results of careful farming. Sohel, who dedicated 10 decimals of land to the cultivation of high-yielding sweet corn with support from the Ranisankail Upazila Agriculture Office and Spain Bangladesh Agro Industries Limited, harvested an impressive 30 maunds (about 1,100 kg).

"This was my first attempt at sweet corn, and I earned Tk 14,400 from selling it at Tk 480 per maund," Sohel shared. "I only spent around Tk 2,500 on irrigation, weeding, and harvesting, as Spain Bangladesh Agro Industries Limited covered all cultivation costs."

The crop’s swift 90-day maturity makes it a profitable and efficient option for farmers, allowing for rapid returns on investment.

A Hassle-Free Market and a Vision for Growth

Unlike traditional crops, which often face market volatility and middlemen interference, Sohel was able to sell his harvest directly to Spain Bangladesh Agro Industries Limited at Tk 12 per kg, eliminating common marketing hurdles.

Encouraged by the success, Sohel plans to expand his cultivation to 50 decimals in the next season. His story is inspiring other farmers, many of whom are now keen to follow suit.

A Crop that Generates Curiosity and Promise

Local farmer Jahangir Alam, impressed by the yield and market price, plans to cultivate sweet corn next year. "We hadn’t seen this type of corn before, but now its high yield and early harvest are motivating us to try it," he said. Another farmer, Abdul Khaleq, agreed, noting that the crop’s early harvest and increased weight, thanks to husk inclusion, made it a financially viable option.

These changing attitudes signal a shift towards more sustainable and profitable farming practices in the area.

Global Potential and Nutritional Benefits

Mirza Asaduzzaman, field officer for Spain Bangladesh Agro Industries Limited, highlighted the broader benefits of sweet corn cultivation. "Sweet corn matures in half the time compared to traditional varieties, and with proper care, farmers can yield 115-120 maunds per bigha (33 decimals)," he explained.

Besides being a lucrative crop, sweet corn is highly nutritious, rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Its adaptability to both Rabi and Kharif seasons further increases its appeal to farmers.

With global demand for sweet corn rising, Spain Bangladesh Agro Industries Limited is tapping into export markets in Spain, China, the USA, and other countries, offering Bangladeshi farmers a chance to participate in the international market.

A New Era for Agriculture

Ranisankail Upazila Agriculture Officer Shahidul Islam praised Sohel's achievement as a breakthrough for the region. "This is the first time sweet corn cultivation has been demonstrated here, and it offers farmers not only high value and nutrient-rich crops but also the opportunity to use the plants as silage for cattle after harvest," he said.

The success of Sohel’s sweet corn venture is already encouraging other farmers to adopt the practice, signaling a new era of agricultural innovation in Thakurgaon. His perseverance has not only improved his own prospects but is also helping to pave the way for a brighter future for farmers across the region.