In Shibchar upazila of Madaripur, the modern and eco-friendly mulching method is rapidly gaining popularity among vegetable farmers. The technique, which uses plastic sheets to cover soil beds with holes for planting, allows for higher yields at lower cost and in less time. Farmers are increasingly shifting from traditional methods to this technology-based cultivation, opening new opportunities for safe and pesticide-free vegetable production.

Field visits show that crops such as cucumber, bitter gourd, chili, bottle gourd, tomato, okra, and sponge gourd are being grown using mulching. The method helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce pest attacks, cutting down on irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide use. Although initial setup costs are slightly higher, the same beds can be reused for multiple harvests, and crops reach markets 10 to 15 days earlier, increasing profits.

According to the Shibchar Agriculture Office, around 200 bighas of land are now under mulching cultivation, mainly for chili, bitter gourd, and cucumber. Officials and experts say the expansion of this technology could lower production costs, boost farmers’ income, and positively impact the agricultural economy.