Farmers in Goalia Para of Ukhiya are passing a busy season of processing red chilies under the sun. While some harvest fresh chilies from the fields, others transport them home. Many sort the chilies and spread them to dry in courtyards, rooftops, or large open yards.
With the holy festival of Eid-ul-Azha approaching, farmers are also sun-drying other spices alongside chilies to prepare them for the market. Once properly dried, the chilies are sorted and packed into sacks for commercial sale.
This year, many farmers have opted to cultivate hybrid chili varieties. These hybrids yield earlier and produce more than local varieties. Moreover, they can be sold green in the market, offering better profit margins, prompting more farmers to switch.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
