Soybean cultivation in southern Bangladesh’s Barisal division has risen nearly 18 percent in the current robi season as farmers shift from more labour-intensive rice to the cheaper, more profitable oilseed, officials said.

The soybean cultivation area in Barisal reached about 172,000 hectares in FY 2024-25 from 146,000 hectares a year earlier, according to Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) data. Farmers have planted 42,363 hectares against a seasonal target of 42,486 hectares.

Farmers and officials cited cost pressures. Hybrid rice cultivation costs BDT 85,000–95,000 per hectare, compared with BDT 45,000–55,000 for soybeans. With average yields of 1.4-1.8 tonnes per hectare and market prices of BDT 65-75 per kg, growers said returns outstrip rice.

“Rice farming costs more but profits are low. With soybeans, costs are nearly half and profits are comparatively higher,” said Delwar Hossain, a farmer in Barisal sadar upazila. “That’s why we’re turning to soybean cultivation.”

The increase spans the division’s six districts of Barisal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Barguna, Pirojpur and Jhalokathi, particularly on land with high irrigation and fertiliser needs where soybeans offer an alternative.

Specialists said the expansion could curb reliance on imported edible oils but warned against an unplanned shift from staple crops.

“Increased soybean production will play a positive role in meeting the country’s demand for edible oil,” said Dr Md Nazrul Islam Sikder, additional director at the DAE in Barisal. “But it’s also important to maintain boro rice cultivation in the interest of food security. Without planned crop management, long-term imbalances could emerge in the agricultural sector.”