Panchhari Rubber dam, constructed on the Chengi River in Shantipur area under Panchhari upazila in Khagrachhari district has brought hope among the hill farmers.
According to local sources, at least 1500 acre uncultivated land has become under cultivation during dry season due to the rubber dam constructed with Tk10 core in 2012-2013.
Thousand of farmers became benefited and got more than three times higher production then they had got in the past.
Department Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources said at least 1,500 acre land, located adjacent to the bank of Chengi River, had remained uncultivated due to shortage of water. That times no winter crops or vegetable grew on those land resulting farmers to depend on other upazila or district’s farmer to full fill their regular demands. But almost all the uncultivated lands are now under cultivation that creates new hope for the farmers.
Nirmol Chakma said most of the land in the area remained uncultivated due to shortage of water. But all the fellow and uncultivated land came under cultivation and takes magnificent output using these stacked water.
Birendra Chakma said rubber dam not only raised new hope but also made farmers confident in coming production.
They are now able to cultivate boro paddy, wheat, dal and numerous vegetables on these land using water that stacked by rubber dam.
Deputy Director of DAE Tarun Kumar Battacharji said people became self dependent through cultivation different crops and vegetables during dry season.
Now around 800 acre land became for Boro cultivation, 170 acre for vegetable and 500 acre for orchards scheme during winter season, he said.