Farmers in the char areas of Daulatpur, Shibalaya, and Harirampur upazilas in Manikganj district are experiencing joy and prosperity following a bumper groundnut harvest. The completion of the harvest has brought smiles to the faces of many farmers who have seen significant yields from their crops.
Suitable Cultivation Conditions
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has noted that groundnut is particularly well-suited for cultivation on the sandy lands found in these char areas. Initially, a few local farmers experimented with growing groundnut on their otherwise barren lands, which typically remain fallow throughout the year. Their success has inspired other farmers to follow suit, leading to an increase in groundnut cultivation along the Jamuna and Padma rivers.
Economic Benefits
The char farmers are not only seeing good yields but are also benefiting economically. Groundnuts are being sold at prices ranging from Taka 3000 to 4000 per mound in local markets, depending on quality. This fair pricing has contributed to the growing popularity of groundnut as a cash crop in the region.
Increased Cultivation
According to DAE office sources, a total of 3642 hectares of land were brought under groundnut cultivation during the Kharip-1 season, resulting in a production of 7155 metric tons of groundnut. Notably, this cultivation exceeded the initial target set by the DAE.
Farmer Testimonials
Rifaz Uddin, a groundnut cultivator from char Kalikapur in Baghutia union of Daulatpur upazila, shared his positive experience, stating that he cultivated groundnut on two bighas of land this season and achieved the expected production and prices. Another farmer, Habil Uddin, highlighted the advantages of groundnut cultivation, such as its suitability for sandy, barren lands and the fact that it requires no irrigation. He noted that groundnut has become an important cash crop for the char people and is cultivated twice a year during the winter and summer seasons.
DAE Insights
Shahjahan Siraj, Deputy Director (DD) of the DAE, emphasized that the sandy lands of the char areas are ideal for groundnut cultivation. He observed that groundnut cultivation is gaining popularity in Daulatpur, Shibalaya, and Harirampur upazilas, with the area under cultivation consistently exceeding the fixed targets each year.
