KUSHTIA, Nov 8, 2026 (BSS) – From toxic tobacco fields to lush green papaya orchards, farmers in Kushtia’s Mirpur upazila are rewriting their fortunes, replacing a crop long blamed for damaging health, soil and livelihoods with a more profitable and sustainable agricultural alternative.

For decades, tobacco cultivation has dominated large stretches of fertile farmland in Kushtia, keeping hundreds of farmers tied to a cycle of hard labour, health hazards and uncertain returns. Now, a growing number of them are turning to papaya cultivation, discovering that the humble fruit can bring greater financial security while reducing their dependence on tobacco.

The transformation is being encouraged under the government’s Sustainable Agricultural Extension Project for the Jashore Region, which provides farmers with training, technical assistance, practical guidance and incentives to adopt high-value alternative crops.

The need for such a transition is particularly pressing in Kushtia. Every Boro season, nearly 30,000 hectares of fertile, multi-crop land across the district’s six upazilas are reportedly devoted to tobacco cultivation, resulting in an estimated loss of around 200,000 tonnes of potential food grain production.

Beyond the loss of agricultural output, tobacco cultivation contributes to soil degradation, environmental pollution and serious public health concerns, imposing costs that far outweigh the economic benefits generated by the sector.

Six tobacco companies, including British American Tobacco (BAT), have reportedly drawn nearly 25,000 local farmers into tobacco production through various incentives and financial inducements. Over almost six decades, the promise of quick cash returns has made tobacco cultivation deeply rooted in the livelihoods of farming communities.

Despite being aware of its harmful effects, many farmers have remained reluctant to abandon tobacco cultivation because it offers a lump-sum payment after harvest.

However, successful experiences with alternative crops are gradually changing that mindset.

Jamirul Islam, a farmer from Moshan village in Mirpur, is among those who have found a new direction through papaya cultivation.

Recalling his experience with tobacco, he said his family, including his wife and children, had to work continuously for nearly six months. After investing Taka 40,000 to Taka 50,000, they could sell their tobacco for Taka 80,000 to Taka 100,000.

The entire family had to work day and night to cure the tobacco, exposing themselves to toxic fumes. His children were also compelled to sacrifice valuable study time to help with the demanding work.

“Tobacco farming ruins one’s life,” Jamirul said, describing how the crop had affected his family’s health and education.

Following training and practical advice from agriculture officials, he decided to take a different path. In January this year, he planted around 450 papaya saplings on one bigha of land, investing Taka 60,000.

His first harvest last Sunday brought an encouraging return. Selling the papayas at Taka 15 per kilogram, he earned Taka 107,000.

The best part, he said, was that traders came directly to his field to collect the produce, eliminating additional transportation and marketing expenses.

For Jamirul, the first harvest has been more than a financial success; it has strengthened his confidence that farming can provide a better livelihood without exposing his family to the hazards of tobacco production.

Another farmer, Mohidul Islam of Balidapara village in the same upazila, is equally enthusiastic about the change.

He has cultivated papaya on 25 kathas of land and is delighted with the results after six months of growth.

Nityaranjan, a vegetable vendor at Nishan Mor in Kushtia town, said demand for papaya had increased as consumers increasingly sought the fruit for its nutritional value.

He sells around one maund, or approximately 37 kilograms, of papaya daily at Taka 25 to Taka 30 per kilogram.

Agricultural officials say the success of farmers like Jamirul and Mohidul is encouraging others to reconsider tobacco cultivation.

Mahabul Islam, a sub-assistant agriculture officer in Mirpur upazila, said farmers are increasingly showing interest in papaya after witnessing its profitability.

“By providing proper training, government incentives and technical guidance, we can encourage farmers to move towards high-value crops like papaya and gradually free them from tobacco cultivation,” he said.

According to Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), farmers cultivating alternative crops such as papaya, ginger, capsicum, summer onion, watermelon and dragon fruit can earn at least four times more cash profit from one bigha of land than they would from tobacco cultivation.

Project Director Rabiul Islam said the government is implementing various initiatives to transform agriculture into a profitable and commercial enterprise.

The programmes focus on introducing modern agricultural technologies, providing technical advice and training, and improving farmers’ livelihoods through crop diversification.

The Sustainable Agricultural Extension Project for the Jashore Region is implementing these initiatives at the grassroots level to encourage farmers to move away from traditional, less sustainable practices and embrace more profitable alternatives.

As more farmers discover the economic potential of papaya, the once-entrenched tobacco economy may gradually give way to a greener and more sustainable path to rural prosperity.