Young entrepreneur leads the way in greenhouse farming in Cumilla

A young entrepreneur in Burichang upazila of the district has taken an innovative initiative to promote year-round vegetable and fruit production by establishing a modern greenhouse at an estimated cost of Taka 60 lakh.

Rashed, son of Abdul Matin of Uttarpara village in Aganagar, Bakshimail union, is seeking to introduce technology-driven farming as an alternative to conventional agricultural practices, with support from the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC).

The greenhouse has been equipped with multiple fans to regulate the internal temperature and maintain a suitable environment for crop cultivation.

A large-scale solar power system has also been installed to keep the fans running, helping ensure a controlled growing environment throughout the year.

Preparations are underway to cultivate a variety of vegetables and fruits, including water spinach, Malabar spinach, coriander leaves, spinach, yardlong beans, grapes and watermelons.

Burichang Upazila Agriculture Officer Afrin Akhter said the initiative was undertaken under a government agricultural development project aimed at increasing vegetable production through greenhouse technology.

She described Rashed's involvement as a positive step towards agricultural modernisation, adding that successful implementation could help meet domestic demand and create opportunities to export agricultural products to foreign markets.

Rashed said his primary goal is to produce safe, chemical-free vegetables and fruits by using modern agricultural technology.

BADC Cumilla Regional Officer Ishaq Majumder said two greenhouse projects had been allocated to Cumilla district under the government initiative. Both are located in Burichang upazila—one in Kurpai and the other in Palti Rajapur under Bakshimail union.

Agricultural officials believe that the successful use of greenhouse technology and solar power could open new opportunities for climate-resilient farming and modern agricultural production in Burichang and across Cumilla.

The initiative is expected to demonstrate how technology-based farming can help farmers diversify crops, improve production practices and explore new market opportunities.