In Durgapur of Rajshahi, farmers are discarding bitter gourds in local markets after failing to get fair prices. Despite abundant harvests, growers are being forced to sell at only 2.5 to 5 taka per kilogram, far below production costs. Some farmers have even destroyed their crops in frustration, as wholesale buyers are refusing to offer reasonable rates. At Hatkanpara market, one farmer was seen trampling his unsold bitter gourds after being offered just 120 taka per maund.

Farmers report spending 25,000 to 30,000 taka per bigha on cultivation, but recovering less than a quarter of that investment. The Durgapur Upazila Agriculture Office confirmed that 178 hectares were planted with bitter gourd this season. While early yields fetched 80 to 100 taka per kilogram, prices have since plummeted. Many farmers now face severe financial strain and loss of capital.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Sahana Parvin Laboni urged farmers not to destroy their crops and assured that efforts are underway with the agricultural marketing department to stabilize prices soon.