As winter sets in, lush green cucumber fields spread across the hill-surrounded island upazila of Moheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar.
Locally known as khira, the vegetable closely resembles a cucumber in appearance but has a slightly different taste. While khira has long been popular in the Chattogram region, demand is now growing in Dhaka and other parts of the country.
Winter is considered the most suitable season for khira cultivation, as the plant cannot tolerate excessive rainfall or extreme heat. The mild winter climate supports healthy flowering and higher yields.
Moheshkhali’s hilly terrain has proven particularly favourable for growing the crop, encouraging farmers to cultivate it with increasing interest.
Khira is widely consumed as a salad vegetable and is often eaten raw with salt and chilli. Some people also prefer it cooked.
However, consumers remain cautious, as certain varieties may have a slightly bitter taste near the stem.
Setara Khatun, a khira farmer from Maheshkhali, said she planted the seedlings only a few days ago, and flowering has already begun.
“If everything goes well, harvesting will start soon. The field looks promising, and I am hopeful of making a profit this season,” she added.
Local agriculture officials said interest in khira cultivation is rising due to its low production cost and short growing cycle.
With strong market demand, farmers are receiving fair prices, making the crop increasingly important to the local winter vegetable economy.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
