By Ranjit Barmon from Shymnagar, Satkhira
In Shyamnagar, Satkhira, coastal farmers are successfully cultivating vegetables in small plots within shrimp ponds, turning limited space into profitable farming areas. Crops like pumpkin, eggplant, spinach, cabbage, amaranth, and tomato are grown seasonally in saline pond embankments, benefiting small-scale farmers.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, 472 hectares are currently under vegetable cultivation in pond embankments, though farmers report even higher coverage. Farmers like Nayan Mondal have combined fish and vegetable farming on their pond embankments, earning tens of thousands of taka annually to support their families. Others, like Paritosh Gain, have been growing seasonal vegetables on leased pond lands for over a decade, earning up to several lakh taka from sales.
Farmers practice sustainable methods such as minimal pesticide use to protect pond fish, and grow crops suited to limited water. Local authorities and agricultural experts encourage these efforts, noting that expanding such integrated vegetable and fish farming can improve household nutrition and help meet regional vegetable demand.
