Farmers see possibilities for agricultural revolution in remote Meghna char
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Farmers see possibilities for agricultural revolution in remote Meghna char
Farmers in Lakshmipur are dreaming of an agricultural revolution around the vast new char that has emerged along the banks of the Meghna. Several chars rich in silt have emerged in the lap of the Meghna that flows through the heart of the district. There is a river on all sides. Such is the case with Charmegha.
In this char, they have been growing golden crops for the last 20 years, fighting against tides and natural disasters.
However, for the last few years, farmers have enriched the district's agriculture with various products including rice and vegetables in this char, but the farmers said that the local agriculture department has not taken any initiative regarding this char.
The farmers complain that they do not get any cooperation from the agriculture department, let alone advice. No one concerned has ever come to them. The crops produced here have never been taken into account. They try to deal with various crises on their own. Along with profits, they have to suffer losses due to natural disasters. And they have to depend on the prices set by the traders to determine the prices of agricultural products. This deprives them of fair prices to a large extent. In the meantime, the farmers claim that if the concerned get the good eye, further revolution can be brought about in agriculture on the char land.
It is known locally that Majuchoudhuri's hat in Charramoni Mohan Union of Charmegha Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila is located in the middle of the river to the west of the launch ghat. This char, which was previously abandoned and used as grazing land, is now flourishing with golden crops. It is on the verge of an agricultural revolution. For about 20 years, local farmers have been producing golden crops on the fertile silt of the char. Initially, soybeans were the most produced here, followed by rice. But now farmers are growing various types of vegetables including rice, soybeans, cucumbers, bitter gourds.
Farmers and agricultural workers are busy cultivating this char for 6 months of the year. About 90 percent of the vegetables produced here go to different parts of the country. For the locals, this char is on the verge of an agricultural revolution, and on the other hand, it is also known as fertile land for employment.
Farmer Jamal Hossain said, in addition to rice, this char produces a good variety of vegetables including cucumber, kheer, bitter gourd, gourd, pumpkin, chichinga and taro. Commercial farming requires a large amount of money. You always have to keep money in your pocket. But we do not get any loans. If you can cultivate properly and do not fall victim to natural disasters, you will get good profits. You will fall victim to natural disasters. Last month, there was a loss of at least 3 lakh taka due to excessive rainfall. I do not know if there are agricultural officers in Lakshmipur. I have not seen anyone in the last 3 years.
Farmer Abu Taher said, when there is a storm or a high tide, we have to face some losses. We cultivate again. But overall, we make a profit. Besides, no one has ever given us two fertilizers or two seeds.
Riaz, an agricultural worker from Char, said, "Since the beginning of Char cultivation, many people have been employed. There is work in Char for six months of the year. We are engaged in a monthly contract of 15 thousand taka. We live in Char, we work in Char."
Farmer Mohammad Mostafa said, "The quality of Char soil is good. Therefore, the yield is good. We have been cultivating paddy, soybean, and vegetables in Char for 15 years. However, sometimes Char crops are submerged in excess tidal water. Then we have to face losses. We do not get any support from the government to overcome this loss."
Local college student Md. Jihad Hossain said, Char crops are going to various markets in the country, including the local market. Char land and farmers play a role in food production. But farmers have to struggle in marketing agricultural products. They do not get fair prices. Cooperation from those concerned is needed in marketing the products. This will encourage farmers to produce agricultural products.
Sohel Md., Deputy Director of Laxmipur District Agricultural Extension Department Shamsuddin Firoz said, vegetables are being cultivated on 12,402 hectares of land in the char. The agriculture department has taken some plans focusing on the isolated islands of the river. There is an effect of tides here. Therefore, the 'Climate Smart Agriculture' project has been taken up. We have been given some demonstrations there. Farmers are being brought under training. Field days are also held. The soil of the char is very fertile. Mustard, corn, almonds, sesame are potential crops there. We have taken initiatives to cultivate them extensively.
