Success of Khulna Farmers 'Inspiration For All'

Farmers of  Bangladesh usually cultivate a particular kind of crop throughout the year. But farmers of Khulna district of Bangladesh are now making a huge profit by cultivating four crops in different seasons of the year, thanks to agricultural innovations.  

Here, the croplands, which used to lie depressed for around six months every year, are now being used to produce Ropa Aman, Mustard, Boro and Ropa Aush. As a result, the district saw a massive increase in food production in recent years.

Farmable land is continuously derogating for various reasons, including climate change and unplanned urbanization. In spite of losing croplands, food production has been consistently getting higher for the last 10 years. 

The new cultivation method ushered in a new era in Khulna and in the agriculture sector. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) hopes that the method would be highly effective in the future to meet the increased food demand. 

Waliar Sheikh, a farmer in Dumuria Upazila, said his land used to lie unutilized for a long time each year as it was used to grow only two kinds of crops.

“But now the land remains engaged throughout the year, thanks to the new method. Seeds of mustard are sowed just before harvesting paddy and thus we are growing mustard without much efforts,” he added.

Waliar’s success is encouraging other farmers. Mustafa Jowardar is one of them. 

“Waliar reaped four crops from the plot next to mine in a single year. I’ve been motivated by him. Many others, including me, have made a start following the method,” he said.

Karuna Mondol, deputy agriculture officer of North Kalikapur Block, said farmers here used to cultivate a single crop throughout the year just a decade ago. Later, they started growing two crops a year. They are now harvesting four different crops. 

“Although farmers at first were unwilling about following the method, they’re now very interested in it,” he said.

Dumuria Upazila Agriculture Officer Mosaddek Hossain said the method suggests cultivating BRRI Dhan-75, 87 in the first season. Later, farmers grow BARI Sarisa-14, BRRI Dhan-67, and BRRI Dhan-48 respectively. An entire year is needed to finalise the farming of the four crops.

“Currently, the method is being applied in 10 hectares of lands in Dumuria. This has been possible due to the availability of agricultural materials, regular training of farmers and sincerity of the people concerned,” he added.  

This is a success that could be an inspiration for all, Mosaddek said. 

Source: UNB